Government Documents Access Policy

September 2006

Title 44, section 1911 of the USC requires Federal Depository Libraries to provide free access to the general public all Government information products. This includes information in all media, including CD-ROM, electronics and websites. Title 25, section 124.1 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes requires State Depository Libraries to make state documents accessible to the public, to render free service in their use and to abide by the rules and regulations promulgated by the State Librarian.

Please see the Circulation Policy for information on which materials may be circulated and by whom.

Two machines are available for viewing fiche and one for microfilm.

There is a nominal cost for copying printed materials and to print from the microform machines.

Local depository library administrators may set implementation policies for public access. If the library determines a necessary security precaution is to require identification for use of library resources by public patrons, the library may ask for identification. Staff must be mindful of local, state, and Federal privacy laws.

Depository users must adhere to the same standards of behavior expected of other library patrons. This includes any guidelines covered in the library conduct policy or security concerns. This may include a request for identification, asking a patron to sign a register or escorting a patron to the materials.

Additionally, depository libraries have the right to bar or remove any individual who poses a threat to library staff, other patrons, or the security of their collections.

All effort is made to provide access during the hours of library operation, including nights and weekends.