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Government Documents & Information: The Basic Collection

Information from the federal, state, local and international governments

FDLP Required Titles

The FDLP required titles are vital sources of information that support the public’s right to know about the workings and activities of the Federal Government. Every Federal depository library is required to have the titles in the “basic collection” accessible for immediate use. 

The Basic Collection

  • Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government -Presents educational content for the public on the workings of the U.S. Government and U.S. history, with a focus on civics.
  • Budget of the United States – Contains the budget message of the President, 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 (CFR) – The annual edition of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
  • Compilation of Presidential Documents – The official publications of materials released by the White House Press Secretary. Materials include proclamations, executive orders, speeches, statements regarding bill signings and vetoes, nominations and appointments, acts approved by the President, and press releases.
  • Congress.gov – Provides information about legislative activities, publications, and other related materials for members of Congress and the public.
  • Congressional Record (daily) – The official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published daily when Congress is in session.
  • The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation – Also known as the Constitution Annotated, 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 the Congress – An annual report issued by the Executive Office of the President and the Council of Economic Advisors, providing on overview of economic progress, with extensive data appendices.
  • Explore Census Data (also known as data.census.gov) – 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.

Required Titles Cont.

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) – A resource for occupational and career information, providing profiles on many 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 President of the United States – Official complication 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 or Espanol – A subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online.