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Government Information

This research guide covers how to find information authored by the different branches of U.S. state, local, and federal government.

Finding U.S. Government Information

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Finding U.S. Government Information (Online)

Essential Search Tools

  • FDLP Basic Collection - electronic collection of vital resources about the workings and essential activities of the U.S. Government (23 resources)
  • GovInfo - Database of official publications from all three branches of the U.S. Government.
  • Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) - Finding tool for publications from all three branches of the U.S. government. Search by keyword, useful for known item searching. 
  • USA.gov - Subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online. Intended for general use by the public. 

Finding U.S. Gov Docs (Physical)

Using the Library Catalog

In the library catalog:

  • Search by keyword
  • Select the Material Type: Government Documents

Screenshot of library cataloging highlighting the Material Type facet selecting "Government Documents"

Federal Laws and Regulations

Historical Collections at Reed

Reed's collection of government documents contains many historical series with holdings dating from the nineteenth century. In addition to the Basic Collection, Reed's physical collection of government documents features:

  • Historical statistical series on U.S. populations, housing, labor (employment), education, and healthcare
  • Reports on American foreign policy from the U.S. Department of State and Central Intelligence Agency.
  • Internal policy research on housing, agriculture, small business, technology, and the environment
  • Executive branch records including presidential speeches, public statements, proposed rules and regulations.
  • Supreme Court decisions.