Government Information
About the Collection -- FAQs -- Contact Us
About the Collection
VCU Libraries participates in three government information depository programs:
- Federal Depository Library Program
- Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program
- Virginia State Documents Depository Program
These programs enable us to provide access to Federal, Virginia state documents, patent and trademark resources, and selected municipal documents from Virginia localties, including the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico. VCU Libraries is committed to providing access to depository materials that support the research, instructional, and curricular needs of the university as well as the information needs of the Third Congressional District in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
FAQs
What is a Federal depository library?
It is a library designated by Congress to provide access to United States government
publications. All federal depository materials remain the property of the federal
government. VCU Libraries was designated a selective Federal Depository Library
in 1971. We are a "selective" depository
because we do not receive all government
publications. University of Virginia's Alderman Library, which receives all
depository publications, is the regional library for Virginia.
Who may use depository libraries?
Anyone can visit depository libraries to use the Federal depository collections.
Where is the government documents collection located?
The majority of the VCU Libraries government documents collection is housed on the first floor of James Branch Cabell Library. This includes books, journals, maps, and CD-ROMS. Microfiche are located on the third floor. Most materials relevant to health sciences are housed at Tompkins-McCaw Library.
Most Virginia State Documents are integrated with the general collection, but some older publications are located on the first floor.
Can I check out government documents?
VCU affiliates and others with borrowing privileges may borrow goverment documents. However, some do not circulate. Please ask Reference & Reference Services staff for assistance when needed.
Contact Us
Renée Bosman,
Reference Librarian for Government and Public Affairs
828-8978
Research & Instructional Services
828-1101