Research Guides: U.S. Government Documents: Home

Government Documents

This guide facilitates access to information created by the federal government of the United States, its branches, agencies, and entities. As a Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) participant, we serve everyone interested in information by and about the federal government. As an academic library, we support the students, staff, and faculty of Dartmouth College with guidance to an astonishing resource for research, learning, and teaching.

Federal Depository Library Program

In 1813, the federal government moved to place select government publications with participating libraries throughout the United States and its territories. Dartmouth Libraries became a depository on June 7, 1884, and joined today's FDLP when established in 1962. Today, the Libraries no longer receive print documents. Print materials remain, but our service lies in helping with access to information in myriad forms and the community we foster.

For more about FDLP, including our obligations as a depository library, visit the program's website.

The Federal Depository Library Directory (FDLD) can help you find the nearest depository library or one that best serves your needs.

The depository coordinator for Dartmouth Libraries and your liaison librarian is Wendel Cox.

A Note About Access

Many of the links in this guide direct users to content that is accessible to anyone. Other links direct users to content to which Dartmouth Libraries subscribes for the use and benefit of its students, staff, and faculty. Where listed, such links are designated parenthetically with (Dartmouth). These resources are inaccessible remotely, save for Dartmouth students, staff, and faculty. The Upper Valley community and visitors can access these resources while visiting Dartmouth libraries. Users not Dartmouth-affiliated but interested in such resources should inquire with their public library, colleges, and universities. Dartmouth alums have access to a limited suite of online subscription resources.

Search

DiscoverGPO
One-stop searching multiple U.S. Federal Government databases, including GPO's Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) and GovInfo.
GovInfo
A database providing authenticated access to official publications from all three branches of the U.S. Government.
Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
Finding tool for federal publications. Includes descriptive records for historical and current publications.
USA.gov
A subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online.
USA.gov en Español
USAGov en Español hace más fácil la búsqueda de servicios y programas del Gobierno.
MetaLib
A federated search engine that searches multiple U.S. Federal government databases, retrieving reports, articles, and citations while providing direct links to selected online resources.

Basic Collection

The list of resources linked below reproduces the FDLP's Basic Collection, the current selection of vital sources of information that support the public's right to know about the workings and essential activities of the Federal Government. As a federal depository library, Dartmouth Libraries must make these resources available immediately. Some of these works are available in print; consult the FDLP depository coordinator for print availability and access.

Assistance Listings
Detailed public descriptions of federal programs that provide grants, loans, scholarships, insurance, and other assistance awards.
Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government
An educational web site for kids. The site provides learning tools for K-12 students, parents, and teachers.
Budget of the United States Government
Contains the president's budget message, information about the president's budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications issued throughout the fiscal year.
Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
A finding tool for publications from all three branches of the U.S. government. Updated daily, it contains descriptive records for current and historical publications and provides direct links to those online.
Code of Federal Regulations
The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
Compilation of Presidential Documents
The official publications of materials released by the White House Press Secretary.
The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretations
Also known as the Constitution Annotated, it includes the U.S. Constitution and analysis and interpretation, with in-text annotations of cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States.
Economic Indicators
Published monthly by the Council of Economic Advisors for the Joint Economic Committee, provides economic information on GDP, income, employment, production, business activity, prices, money, credit, security markets, Federal finance, and international statistics.
The Economic Report of the President to Congress
An annual report issued by the Executive Office of the President and the Council of Economic Advisors provides an overview of economic progress with extensive data appendices.
Explore Census Data (Census Bureau)
A source for population, economic, housing, and geographic information and data about the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island areas.
Federal Register
The daily publication of the rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, along with executive orders.
GovInfo
A database providing authenticated access to official publications from all three branches of the U.S. Government.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
A resource for occupational and career information, providing profiles on a majority of jobs in the United States. Profiles describe the work environment, education and training needed, a ten year outlook, and median pay for workers.
Official Congressional Directory
Includes biographical and directory information about members of the House and Senate, committee memberships, terms of service, and related content.
Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States
Official publication of the President's addresses, writings, and remarks.
Social Security Handbook
Resource for the most common questions about Social Security.
United States Code
The codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States, divided by broad subjects into 53 titles.
The United States Government Manual
The official handbook of the U.S. Government, providing information on the agencies from all three branches, quasi-official agencies, international organizations in which the United States participates, boards, commissions, and committees.
United States Reports
Contains the final version of the opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States.
United States Statutes at Large
Contains the permanent laws enacted during each session of Congress.
USA.gov
A subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online.
USA.gov en Español
USAGov en Español hace más fácil la búsqueda de servicios y programas del Gobierno.