§1912 Regional depositories; designation; functions; disposal of publications

Summary

No more than two libraries in each State and in Puerto Rico can be named regional depositories. Those regional libraries must get all new and revised Government publications sent to depository libraries from the Superintendent of Documents. A Senator (or Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner) can pick a regional library, but the State or Commonwealth chief librarian must approve and confirm the library will keep at least one copy of every Government publication in print or microform, except items the Superintendent allows to be discarded. Regional libraries must also give interlibrary loans, help with reference questions, and help local depository libraries decide how to dispose of unwanted Government publications. When a Senator or Resident Commissioner makes a designation, they must send the agreement to the Superintendent. A regional library may allow local depository libraries to discard documents they have kept for five years, but only after offering them first to other local depository libraries and then to other libraries.