Government Documents Held at Penn Libraries

Public Access to Government Documents

The Penn Libraries participates in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) as an elective depository for U.S. government documents and makes U.S. government documents received through the depository program available to the general public. Most of the collection is cataloged, and records can be found using the Penn Libraries Catalog. Physical materials are in various formats, including print, microfiche, CD, DVD, and VHS tapes. 

The Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is the Penn Libraries' access point for its Federal Depository Library Program collection. However, most physical government documents are stored in our off-site storage facility, LIBRA, in West Deptford, New Jersey. 

Patrons must request LIBRA items before visiting the Van Pelt Library. To request items from LIBRA, please use the following form. For more information about LIBRA, please visit Using the Collections at LIBRA.

While not mandatory, we ask visitors to fill out the Government Documents Access Form in advance so that we can ascertain the availability of the required documents and ensure that staff is available to assist you. Access to specific categories of U.S. government documents may require mediation by Penn librarians. 

Please refer to the Van Pelt Library's policies covering building use, required identification, use of public computers, and visitor access. For general government document information or assistance, contact lmarieh@penn.edu with specific questions regarding our collection of government documents.