by Library News
UTA Libraries is celebrating its 60th anniversary as a Federal Depository Library.
In this role, the library has made government documents on various topics available to the public for free to study and research at no cost.
These documents include information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information and demographics.
Troy Black, a Federal Depository Library Coordinator, stated that having this resource has been a valuable tool for generations of UTA students and the public.
He noted that bringing this resource to campus is due to the forward-thinking of Arlington State College (now UTA) library director John Hudson.
“The library did not have a permanent home at the time in 1962. However, funds had been approved to build this library, which was only going to be two stories at the time,” Troy said. “John Hudson, knowing they were going to get a new library, wanted to offer more resources.”
Troy stated that the free resources through this program have contributed to the success of thousands of students.
The library was officially designated a Federal Depository Library in a letter to John Hudson from Sen. Ralph Yarborough on Dec. 31, 1962. The library began receiving materials from the government in 1963
“I have read with close attention what you say about the desire to have Arlington State College designated a government depository. In response to your request, it has given me pleasure to designate the Arlington States College to receive government publications,” Yarborough wrote. “I agree with what you say of the importance of this institution, serving a large student body, and the potential growth thereof and I believe that Arlington State College merits being designated as a depository.”
For 50 years, UTA Libraries received government publications in only a physical print copy. A change was made in 2015, where government publications would only be received in a digital format.
“Due to space constraints, we switched to an all-digital depository. The difference is that we still receive government publications every month, but they are in digital format and loaded directly into our library catalog,” Troy said. “We add about 300 new titles each month. That is about 3,600 titles a year.”
Troy added that there is still a small print collection of government documents on the third floor of the Central Library. Library staff felt that these items have significant historical value. One example is an original copy of the Warren Commission report that details its findings about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas.
Scott Matheson, Superintendent of Documents with the U.S. Government Publishing Office, congratulated UTA Libraries on its 60th anniversary.
“Assuming the responsibilities of a depository library are a commendable task and the UT Arlington Libraries’ 60 years of continued service marks a significant milestone,” Scott wrote in an October 2023 letter. “Your long-term commitment to making Federal Government information available to the public through the Federal Depository Library Program is greatly appreciated.”
Library patrons who wish to access these government documents can go through the UTA Libraries’ website and select the advanced search option, then under Content Type, select Government Document. This selection will only pull up government documents in a search on the website.
This is one of the many services that UTA Libraries offers its patrons. The library staff members are ready and willing to answer questions and help you with your research needs.
If you need specific help with government information, contact Troy Black at troy@uta.edu.
Individuals can find more information about this program on the Federal Depository Library Program’s website.
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