Did you know that everything from census data to crime statistics and patent information to cookbooks written by naval officers is available to the public because it’s government information? On June 25, 2024, the University of Iowa Libraries celebrates 140 years of making info published by a government agency accessible to the public. Depositories across the nation, like the Main Library, contain hundreds of thousands, if not on the scale of millions, of government documents with an incredible depth and breadth of information and history. These documents are published by the Government Publishing Office (GPO), and depositories are overseen by the Federal Depository Library System (FDLP).  

Here at the university, we have two depositories: Main Library is a regional depository, which means that we receive all the government information published by GPO. The Law Library is a selective depository, which collects a smaller subset of government information and has a more targeted audience and collection.   

Government information is so universal as to appear almost invisible, though it underpins many things we consume every day. A recent Daily Iowan headline mentioning the potential of a TikTok ban? Information can be found in the Congressional Record. Perhaps you’ve been affected by the fumbled FAFSA rollout? For more information, you can read the hearing itself. Or maybe you’re looking for population statistics, information on state parks, NASA maps of Saturn? Yes, it’s all government information! 

Not only does government information help us better understand current events, it also sheds light on our nation’s history. As part of the Iowa Digital Library, and in co-operation with GPO, the University Libraries is in the process of digitizing hundreds of historical posters from our collection.  

At the Main Library, 140 years of government information can be browsed on both the second and fifth floors, as well as be requested from the Libraries Annex. Don’t be intimidated by the size or the austere look of the collection, as within these dry looking books and preservation envelopes lies a bounty of information. Visiting the call numbers starting with SI, for instance, will land you in the Smithsonian Institution’s realm. Perhaps you’re interested in the history of Civil Rights? Visiting the CR call number will leave you with more resources than you need.  

Don’t know where to start? Feel free to reach out to Ellen Wrede, our government information librarian, who can help set you on the right path for your particular question or research.