Government Information & Resources

Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)

FDLP's mission is to "provide free, ready, and permanent public access to Federal Government information, now and for future generations."

The U.S. Congress first authorized the distribution of Government documents to universities, historical societies, and state libraries in 1813. The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) has overseen the FDLP since 1895. Currently, over 1,000 libraries across the nation are members of the FDLP.

The University Library was designated as a Federal depository library in 2001. We are one of 52 selective libraries for the state of Texas.

The library’s Government collection includes materials from and about the three branches of the U.S. Government, along with data and statistics from a variety of federal agencies. In addition, we offer curated links to government websites and organize select resources by subject for convenient access.

While the library no longer maintains a physical collection of government documents, digital access to government resources is available through the resources below. The public is welcome to view and access the depository material free of charge, and digital information is available 24/7.

If you need assistance with finding government documents, please contact our Research and Instruction Team via email researchandinstruction@utrgv.edu.

• FDLP Basic Collection - "Core U.S. Government publications that are vital sources of information supporting the public's right to know about the working and essential activities of the Federal Government."
• FDLP Resource Guides - "These guides provide information about the Federal Government and the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)."
• DiscoverGov - "DiscoverGov provides simple, one-stop searching across multiple U.S. Federal Government databases including GPO's Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) and GovInfo."
• GovInfo - "GovInfo is a one-stop site for official information from all three branches of the Federal Government."
• USA.gov - "A subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online. A Spanish site is also available."
• Data.gov - "The Home of the U.S. Government's Open Data. Here you will find data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more."
• Grants.gov - "Provide[s] a common website for federal agencies to post discretionary funding opportunities and for grantees to find and apply to them."
• Science.gov - "Science.gov provides access to millions of authoritative scientific research results from U.S. federal agencies."