Government Documents

The St. Thomas University Library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government Documents, traditionally referred to as Government Documents. St. Thomas University has been a United States Government Depository Library since 1966. The Library is one of 1,400 Federal Depository Libraries in the U.S. and one of only nine in Southeast Florida. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law (Title 44, United States Code).

The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by an 1813 Congressional Joint Resolution to ensure that the American public has access to its Government’s information. The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) administers the FDLP on behalf of the participating libraries and the public. Information products from the Federal Government are disseminated to designated depository libraries to ensure the American public has free access to the materials. Anyone can visit Federal depository libraries and access the collections.

Selective depository libraries choose to receive certain classes of publications and provide services that best meet the Federal government information needs of their local communities. Regional depository libraries have the responsibility to retain a copy of all government publications. St. Thomas University Library is a selective depository library. Development of our depository collection to meet needs and format preferences of our library users and general public is described in our Collection Development Policy.

Federal Publications

Our Government Depository contains thousands of print publications located on the first floor of the Library, adjacent to the Reference Collection. Materials processed in Federal Depositories since January 1994 can be found via the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications, a website maintained by GPO.

The Government Documents Collection covers a vast array of subjects including Business & Trade, Education, Health, Environmental Studies, Labor, Justice, and Foreign Affairs. The collection also includes Congressional Records and Hearings, publications of the Library of Congress, and maps of all countries. These publications may be found in a variety of formats, including print (books, reports, and pamphlets), CDs and DVDs, and electronic (webpages, digital files). This collection is open to the public and may be accessed through our University Library Catalog.

Useful Government Quick Links

Federal Depository Library Program

FDLP Desktop

GPO’s Federal Digital System (FDsys)

Catalog of U.S. Government Publications

Core Documents of Our Democracy

GovInfo

USA.gov

American FactFinder (U.S. Census Bureau)

State & Local Government on the Net

Visitors Information

As part of the Federal Depository Library program, federal government documents are available for free use by the general public, including all people in the relevant region and Congressional District. The University Library is located on the North end of campus, near Mimi Dooner Hall, Law School Annex, and Center for Professional Development.

Upon Arriving St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University is a gated university and has identification requirements for accessing the campus. Upon arriving at the University gate, visitors are required to stop at the guard house and request visitation to the University Library. The guard will provide the visitor a library pass and a one-day temporary parking pass, and access is granted. Visitors may park in any of the available lots.

Visitors Parking

All visitors are subject to the same parking rules as faculty/staff and students.

Permits are required in all parking lots at all times.

Parking is not permitted in fire lanes or in handicapped, restricted, or reserved spaces without proper permits or authorization.

Visitors parked in surface lots without a permit will be subject to ticketing.

Computer Usage at the Library

Patron authentication is required when using the computers in the University Library. For our visitors, the University Library provides all patrons who are not part of the university community with a guest login.

For more information, please contact:
Jessica M. Orozco
Metadata Librarian
305-474-6863
jmorozco@stu.edu