The University of Idaho Library is the Regional Depository for U.S. Government Documents for the state of Idaho. The collection consists of more than 675,000 paper documents, 800,000 microforms, 200,000 maps, 7,500 CD-ROMs, and more than 25,000 online publications. This comprehensive and unique collection offers free access to more than 1.7 million items to all users. Unconstrained access to federal documents helps to inform and empower students and residents of Idaho to become better citizens.

Federal Depository Library Program

The Federal Depository Library Program was initiated by Congress in 1813. Today the Government Printing Office oversees the program under the authority of Title 44 of the United States Code. The University of Idaho Library joined the program in 1907. In 1967, the U of I Library became a regional depository, meaning it acquires 100% of items issued by GPO through the FDLP Program. As a regional depository, the library also oversees eight other selective depositories in the state of Idaho.

Where Do I Start?

If you are looking for for a specific Government document, try the steps below to start.

Step 1: Find a call number

Government documents at the University of Idaho Library may be located by using our library catalog. If you know the name of a particular document you'd like to see, just use the catalog to find a call number or ask for assistance at the Reference and Information Desk.

Step 2: Ask for the document

Because the government documents collection at the library are in closed stacks, patrons wishing to obtain a document need to request it either in the Government Documents/Special Collections Reading Room during our open hours or at the Circulation Desk after hours.

Contact Us

Samantha Thompson-Franklin, sthompsonfranklin@uidaho.edu, Collections and Government Information Librarian