Chapter 13. Library
Section 13.4. Locating and Borrowing Materials

13.4.9. Government Publications and Maps

Definition

Government Publication/Maps Department: A "selective" depository for United States government and State of Michigan publications. The term "selective" means that only those government publications that support the various departmental missions of the university and reflect the interests of the residents of the First Congressional District of Michigan are selected. A government publication (or document) is an official publication (book, serial, or non-book) produced by or printed at the expense of an official government entity.

General Information

Because the US federal government is the world's largest publisher and also the world's largest sponsor of research, much primary research material unavailable elsewhere can be found in depository libraries. As a selective Federal Depository, the Library receives about 50% of the documents made available by the United States Printing Office. The collection currently consists of approximately 450,000 print and 480,000 microfiche items. The Michigan Depository consists of approximately 12,000 print items.

The Government Publication/Maps Department is located on the ground floor.

Procedure

There are electronic tools for accessing this collection, and web access to a wide range of government information. For help using this collection, go to Reference and Government Information Desk on the first floor.