Government Documents in the USM Libraries

Federal Documents

The University of Southern Maine Libraries participate in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), which was established by the U.S. Congress to provide free public access to government publications. The program is divided into full and selective depositories. As a selective depository, the USM Libraries tailor their collections to local needs, selecting documents which support the academic programs of the University, as well as the information needs of greater Portland and the First U.S. Congressional District of Maine. The Gorham and Portland campus libraries receive documents in the social sciences, humanities and sciences; the University of Maine Law School Library at USM receives publications relating to federal judicial and law making processes. Fogler Library at the University of Maine is one of 53 full (also known as regional) depositories which receive all publications distributed through the FDLP. Federal publications are published in paper, microform and electronic formats. The Internet plays an important role in the FDLP’s distribution of publications; many titles which formerly were distributed in paper format are now available on the Internet.

Detailed look at FDLP selections in the USM Libraries.

URSUS, the online catalog, provides primary access to currently received federal documents in the USM libraries. Documents received prior to 1995 may not be listed in the catalog. Please see a reference librarian for assistance.

State Of Maine Documents

Equally important is the USM Libraries' status as a depository of State of Maine documents. Similar to its federal counterpart, the system distributes material from many State of Maine departments and agencies. This collection is comprised of annual reports, bulletins, periodicals, special studies and more.

URSUS, the online catalog, provides access to Maine State documents holdings in the USM libraries.

All documents, State and Federal, are available to circulate unless otherwise noted.

Questions regarding government information should be directed to Reference Dept., USM Glickman Library, telephone (207) 780-4272.