State Documents Depository Program

As mandated by Section 33-2505 of the Idaho Code, the Idaho Commission for Libraries administers a depository program for publications issued by Idaho state government agencies. The agency actively seeks copies of such publications for deposit with designated libraries throughout the state.

For more detailed information check the following, on this page:

Depository libraries

The depository law requires that state agencies deposit twenty copies of each of their publications regardless of format with the Commission for Libraries. One copy is mandated to be sent to the Library of Congress. The remainder are distributed to designated depository libraries in Idaho, chosen for their geographical locations and for their capacity to manage state government publications for public access. The depository program makes optimal use of each copy, allowing agencies to reach a wide audience with a limited printing run.

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Access to State publications

The State documents depository program provides public access to state government information and preserves government publications for future reference. Published materials produced by Idaho state government agencies from statehood (1890) to the present are archived and most are available for photocopying at the Idaho State Historical Society, Public Archives & Research Library. An effort is made to obtain current publications. Detailed guidelines are available for state employees who produce and distribute agency publications.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is also in the beginning phase of addressing accessibility issues engendered by the increasing number of state publications produced only in digital format.  The Commission has created a digital repository project, the Idaho Digital Publications (IDP) Project, which we believe will prove to be a vital link between the state's citizens and state government information.

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How to obtain a State publication

  • Obtaining your own copy. Most state publications are available free of charge while supplies last. To obtain your own copy of a publication, contact the publishing agency directly. The Shipping List identifies the most recent titles provided to the State depository libraries.
  • Borrowing state publications. If you don't require a copy, you may read or photocopy publications from your nearest university library or arrange for interlibrary loan through a local public library.

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Guidelines for Idaho State Agencies ›
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Last updated: June 8, 2007 - 8:44am by eric.hildreth