Government Information Access & Public Service Policy

Colgate University Libraries is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law (Title 44 United States Code).

Colgate University was designated a Federal Depository Library on February 7th, 1902. We are currently classified as a selective depository with a collection development policy that prioritizes acquisition of digital records and stewardship of historical collections. In 2024, Colgate University was selected by the United States Printing Office as a National Preservation Steward for the Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States.

All government documents are discoverable through the library catalog and the physical collection is publicly accessible on the first floor of Case Geyer. This government documents guide will help orient users to the Libraries’ collection. Members of the public have access to all federal depository materials and may use them in the libraries. Some visitors may qualify for Visiting Borrower privileges, which permits them to check material out of the libraries.

Joshua Finnell currently serves as the depository coordinator and was appointed in 2023 to serve a three-year term on the US Federal Depository Library Council by Hugh Halpren, Director of the United States Government Printing Office.