Federal Government Documents

Federal Depository Library Program

Milwaukee Public Library has participated in the United States Government Printing Office’s Federal Library Depository Program since the late 1800s, and as a Regional Depository for the State of Wisconsin since 1961 along with the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

As a Regional Depository, Milwaukee Public Library receives from the Superintendent of Documents copies of all new and revised government publications authorized for distribution to depository libraries; retains government publications permanently in either printed form or in microfiche form, except superseded publications; provides interlibrary loan, reference service, and assistance for depository libraries in the disposal of unwanted publications. Documents are available in different formats including print, microfiche, dvd, cd-rom, and online. All documents are available for FREE public use.

Basic Collection

All federal depository libraries are required to have the following documents available for immediate use.

Assistance Listings GS 1.52/2: [online only] Provides detailed, public descriptions of Federal assistance listings available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi- public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups, and individuals.(For even more information about benefits from the U.S. Government, see the Partners listing.)

Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government  GP 3.39: [online only] 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 Government  PREX 2.8, PREX 2.8/1   [online and print]   Issued by the Office of Management and Budget, the budget is a collection of documents about the President’s budget proposal for a given fiscal year. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

Catalog of U.S. Government Publications GP 3.8/8-9 [online only] 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) AE 2.106/3: [online, print, and microfiche] The annual edition of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by departments and agencies of the Federal Government. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

Compilation of Presidential Documents AE 2.109/2: [online only] 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 LC 1.54/2-3: [online only] Provides information about legislative activities, publications, and other related materials for members of Congress and the public.

Congressional Record X 1.1/A: [online, print, and microfiche] The official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published daily when Congress is in session. (Note: This is the daily, not bound edition).[MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation Y 1.1/3: [online and print] 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. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

Economic Indicators  Y 4.EC 7:EC 7/ [online and print] 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. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

The Economic Report of the President to the Congress PREX 1.30: [online and print] 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. (Note: This is entitled Economic Report of the President in govinfo.) [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

Explore Census Data (also known as data.census.gov) C 3.300/2: [online only] A source for population, economic, housing, and geographic information and data about the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island areas.

Federal Register  AE 2.106: [online, print, and microfiche] The daily publication of the rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, along with executive orders. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

govinfo GP 3.43/2: [online only] A database providing authenticated access to official publications from all three branches of the U.S. Government.

Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) L 2.3/4: [online only] A resource for occupational and career information, providing profiles on a majority of 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 Y 4.P 93/1:1/ [online and print] Includes biographical and directory information about members of the House and Senate, committee memberships, terms of service, and related content. (Note: This is entitled Congressional Directory in govinfo).[MPL print holdings described in CountyCat] 

Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States AE 2.114: [online and print] Official complication of the President’s addresses, writings, and remarks. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat] 

Social Security Handbook SSA 1.8/3: [online only] Resource for the most common questions about Social Security.

United States Code Y 1.2/5: [online and print] The codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States, divided by broad subjects into 53 titles. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

United States Reports AE 2.108/2: [online and print] Contains the final version of the opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

United States Statutes at Large JU 6.8  [online and print]   Contains the 4th and final generation of the Supreme Court’s opinions. [MPL print holdings described in CountyCat]

USA.gov [online only] A subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online. A Spanish site is also available.

Federal Government Websites that go beyond the Basic Collection

FDLP.gov  Direct online access to the basic federal government documents that define the United States.

Data.gov   Find data, tools, and resources at the home of the U.S. government’s open data

Fed Flix   In partnership with NTIS, the best movies of the United States Government on all different subjects are available on this website without any restrictions.

MetaLib   This website searches multiple United States Federal Government databases.

National Archives and Records Administration   This is your nation’s record keeper.  Of all the documents that are created by the United States government, only one to three percent of them are so important that they are kept here.

National Do Not Call Registry   Tired of getting those phone calls from people or organizations you don’t know – use this website.

Science.gov   Authoritative United States government science information from databases and selected websites from many federal agencies.

Senate.gov   Find your senator, look up a bill, follow the action on the Senate floor are just a few things you can find on this website.

Treaties in Force    Published annually, the State Department provides information on treaties and other international agreements to which the United States has become a party.

United States Citizen and Immigration Services   Oversees lawful immigration to the United States.

United States House of Representatives   Find your representative, look up a bill, follow the action on the House floor are just a few things you can find on this website.

The White House   The White House Daily Schedule, which includes the President’s and Vice President’s schedules, is posted here.      

World Factbook   The Central Intelligence Agency provides information on 267 world entities along with maps and flags.