Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Angela Kline, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kristen B. Crossney, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Seth M. Porter, DPA

Abstract

The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure public access to government information through America’s libraries. Administered by the United States Government Publishing Office, this federal program has existed for more than 150 years to “provide free, ready, and permanent public access to federal government information,” according to its mission. Comprised of libraries of various types, academic libraries constitute the majority of FDLP participants. Library professionals maintain awareness of and compliance with FDLP requirements, which include the legal obligation to make government publications available for free use by the public. Recent modernization efforts for the program eliminate the delivery of tangible items to most libraries and ensure free online only access and digitization of materials.

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore perspectives of depository librarians and library administrators at small to medium-sized public universities that participated in the FDLP. Using public service values as a lens, this phenomenological study aimed to understand experiences of library professionals amid changes with the FDLP that alter how libraries collect government information and make it accessible to the public. Ten depository librarians and nine library administrators participated in individual interviews for this research. While participants expressed challenges with managing government information work roles, they remained steadfast in the importance of ensuring public access to government information, and demonstrated a commitment to stewardship that revealed strong public service values. The findings provide insight for academic institutions and inform policy recommendations for maintaining this important public service for citizens.

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