Federal Documents
About the Collection-- Search Tools -- Historical Documents -- Citation Guides -- About Federal Depository Libraries
About the Collection
The Federal government generates a wealth of information on practically every subject. The U.S. Government Printing Office publishes books, journals, maps, photographs, pamphlets, reference materials, statistics and data, posters, digital media as well as authoritative Web sites each year. Subjects range from history, presidential papers and homeland security to science, medicine, the environment, and urban development.
VCU Libraries became a member of the Federal Depository Library Program in 1971 and makes available a growing collection of U.S. documents. Most of the fifty states have a regional depository library: a library designated by a U.S. Senator to maintain responsibility for the integrity and comprehensiveness of a state or region's depository collection of U.S. Government information. Virginia's regional depository library is located at the University of Virginia's Alderman Library.
The majority of the Federal documents collection is housed on the first floor of the James Branch Cabell Library, excluding the microforms collections on the third floor. Materials related to the health sciences are located at the Tompkins-McCaw Library on the MCV Campus.
VCU affiliates and others with borrowing privileges may check out publications from any of the government documents collections. Please note that not all items circulate and must be used inside the building.
Search Tools
VCU Libraries Catalog
To search only for government documents, select the Advanced Search option and limit the format to US Government Document. Some pre-1994 documents can be found in the catalog, but not all of the collection is represented.
Government Documents Monthly Catalog via FirstSearch 
(1976-present)
Covers all types of Federal government documents, including Congressional reports, hearings, debates, and records; judiciary materials; and documents issued by executive branch departments and agencies.
Catalog of U.S. Government Publications via the U.S. Government Printing Office (1976-present)
The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) is the principal finding tool for electronic and print publications from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S. government. These publications make up the National Bibliography of U.S. Government Publications. The CGP contains descriptive records for historical and current publications and provides direct links to those that are available online.
LexisNexis Government Documents Periodicals Index (1988-present)
Browse titles or search for articles on a variety of topics published in U.S. Government magazines, newsletters, and other periodicals. Selected full-text is available.
LexisNexis Congressional
Contains congressional reports, hearings, committee prints, documents, and bills; the Congressional Record; the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations; information on congressional members, including biographical and financial information, voting record, and profiles of their congressional district. Dates of coverage vary by publication.
Historical Documents
Descriptive Catalogue of the Government Publications of the United States, 1774-1881
Cabell Reference Z1223 .A1885d
Checklist of United States Public Documents, 1789-1909
Cabell Reference Z1223 .A113 1962
Cumulative Title Index to United States Public Documents, 1789-1976
Cabell Reference Z1223 .Z7 L47 J83
Comprehensive Index to the Publications of the United States Government, 1881-1893
Cabell Reference Z1223 .A13 1962
Cumulative Subject Index to the Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications, 1900-1971
Cabell Reference Z1223 .A182
United States Government Publications Monthly Catalog Decennial Cumulative Personal Author Index
Cabell Reference Z1223 .A18 U54
Index to U.S. Government Periodicals
Cabell Reference Z1223 .Z7 I38
Citation Guides
Citing Government Information Sources Using MLA (Modern Language Association) Style (Courtesy of the University of Nevada)
Uncle Sam : Brief Guide to Citing Government Publications (Courtesy of the University of Memphis)
DocsCite (Courtesy of Arizona State University)
About Federal Depository Libraries
The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its Government's information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving, and assisting users with information from the Federal Government. The FDLP provides Government information at no cost to designated depository libraries throughout the country and territories. These depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee access to Government information in an impartial environment with professional assistance.
As institutions committed to equity of access and dedicated to free and unrestricted public use, the nation's nearly 1,250 depository libraries serve as one of the vital links between "We the people" and our Government. Anyone can visit Federal depository libraries and use the Federal depository collections which are filled with information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information, demographics, and numerous other subjects.
--From The United States Government Printing Office
If you have questions or need assistance, please Ask a Librarian.