The FDLP suggests that public libraries provide access to a certain set of documents provided by the Federal Government. 

Core Collection
U.S. Government Resources

  • Assistance Listings
    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. 
     
  • Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government
    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 U.S. Government
    Contains the budget message of the President, information about the President’s budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications issued throughout the fiscal year. 
     
  • Catalog of U.S. Publications
    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
    The annual edition of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
     
  • Compilation of Presidential Documents
    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
    Provides information about legislative activities, publications, and other related materials for members of Congress and the public.
     
  • Congressional Record
    The official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published daily when Congress is in session.
     
  • Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation
    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.
     
  • Economic Indicators
    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.
     
  • The Economic Report of the President to Congress
    An annual report issued by the Executive Office of the President and the Council of Economic Advisors, providing an overview of economic progress, with extensive data appendices.
     
  • Explore Census Data
    A source for population, economic, housing, and geographic information and data about the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island areas.
     
  • Federal Register
    The daily publication of the rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, along with executive orders.
     
  • GovInfo.gov
    A database providing authenticated access to official publications from all three branches of the U.S. Government.
     
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook
    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 10-year outlook, and median pay for workers.
     
  • Official Congressional Directory
    Includes biographical and directory information about members of the House and Senate, committee memberships, terms of service, and related content.
     
  • Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States
    Official publication of the President’s addresses, writings, and remarks.
     
  • Social Security Handbook
    Resource for the most common questions about Social Security.
     
  • United States Code
    The codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States, divided by broad subjects into 53 titles.
     
  • The United States Government Manual
    The official handbook of the U.S. Government provides information on the agencies from all three branches, quasi-official agencies, international organizations in which the United States participates, boards, commissions and committees.
     
  • United States Reports
    Contains the final version of the opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States.
     
  • United States Statutes at Large
    Contains the permanent laws enacted during each session of Congress.
     
  • USA.gov
    A subject-based portal for federal services and resources online. A Spanish site is also available.