Federal depository program at the crossroads: The library administrator's perspective

Abstract

Rapid transition of the Federal Depository Library Program to a mostly electronic environment and U. S. Government Printing Office standards for computer hardware and public services in depositories have raised the specter of mass exodus of libraries from the program. This study examines libraries' commitment to the program and how they are coping with changing information formats and public service demands, from the perspective of senior administrators responsible for allocating resources and setting service priorities. The author visited 24 depositories in three geographic regions and interviewed library directors and documents librarians. Administrators' statements give evidence of great willingness to continue as depositories and the belief that costs must be borne for access to electronic information generally, not just government sources. There are serious doubts, however, about the program's future as universal Internet access diminishes the special advantages of depository status. Directors express firm conviction that there will continue to be an important role for government information specialists in libraries.