Ohio State University Libraries’ Federal Depository Library Program Use Policy
Internet Use
Remote Access
Tangible Documents
Reference Services
General
In accordance with 44 USC 1991, the Ohio State University Libraries provide free public access to Federal Government information in all formats. The libraries also provide access to State of Ohio and European Union information.
All library users, including those not affiliated with the university, and regardless of age, may use depository materials
housed within the libraries. They may also use the libraries’ public workstations to access online government information.
Internet Use
All computers at the Ohio State University are governed by the University’s
Policy on Responsible Use of University
Computing Resources. Use of library computers to access information implies consent to be governed by this policy.
Public Internet-accessible workstations are available in all OSU Libraries. The libraries provide a sufficient number of workstations to efficiently and effectively serve depository patrons. The libraries do not currently require users to login or authenticate to use public Internet-accessible workstations.*
There are no time restrictions on the use of library computers. The libraries, however, reserve the right to ask persons not conducting library research or accessing instructional information sources to cease use of computers when others are waiting. Accessing government information on the Internet is considered library research.
The libraries attempt to meet the Recommended Specifications for Public Access Workstations. When budgetary or other constraints prevent this, workstations designated “public-access” will be comparable to restricted-access patron workstations.
Filtering software is not used on any library computer.
The libraries use security software prohibiting downloading to the hard drive. Patrons may copy information to a disk (zip or floppy) if desired. Some databases allow information to be emailed.
The libraries do not sell disks. The libraries do not provide email accounts.
Many library computers are networked to printers. A BuckID card is required to print. Patrons not affiliated with the university may purchase courtesy BuckID cards. For more information on these cards, see http://www.lib.ohio-state.edu/help/faq.html#BuckID.
Several libraries offer wireless connections for those with their own laptops. The libraries do not provide laptops for use by the general public.
* In addition to public Internet-accessible workstations, several libraries provide workstations with
access to Microsoft Office products and other special software. These workstations require users to authenticate before
accessing the Internet. The general public is welcome to use these workstations for non-Internet purposes, but must use
designated public-access machines for Internet access.
Remote Access
The library catalog, which includes records for depository materials, is available to all patrons, both on and off-campus.
The libraries subscribe to a number of specialized databases. All patrons are welcome to use these databases onsite. Licensing restrictions limit remote access to authorized users.
Library staff have created many pages containing links to resources of interest. These pages are available to all users.
The Government Documents pages provide links to
government and related websites thought to be of interest to the library’s patrons. Unless indicated otherwise, these
sites are freely accessible.
Tangible Documents
The Ohio State University Libraries house many current and historic government publications. Although the libraries maintain
small depository collections in the Main Library, most of the materials are integrated into other library collections. Publications
of the United States Department of Agriculture, for example, are housed in the Food, Agricultural, and Environmental
Sciences Library. Depository publications can be found by searching the libraries’ online catalog.
All patrons are welcome to use depository materials onsite. OSU faculty, staff, students, Courtesy Card holders and OhioLink affiliates may borrow circulating documents. The libraries also loan materials to other libraries via interlibrary loan services.
A significant number of older depository titles are housed in the libraries’ storage facility. This material is retrieved upon request. OSU faculty, staff, students, and Courtesy Card holders may submit retrieval requests electronically via the libraries’ online catalog. Circulation desk staff will submit requests for other patrons. The delivery schedule is posted at http://www.lib.ohio-state.edu/stxweb/Schedule.htm
The most common formats for tangible documents are paper and microfiche. The libraries also house depository materials in
videotape, CD-ROM, and DVD formats. Photocopiers are available at all OSU Libraries. Most photocopiers require the
use of BuckID cards, although one photocopier in each library accepts coins. Microfiche reader/printers are available.
Videotapes may be viewed in the Microforms and Periodicals Area of the Main Library. Software to run selected
CD-ROMs is loaded on a workstation in the Microforms and Periodicals Area of the Main Library. The majority of
CD-ROMs and DVDs are available for check-out. Some may also be run on workstations in the second floor computing area
of the Main Library.
Reference Services
Reference service for government information is provided at the Main Library Reference Desk. Assistance at the reference
desk is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons requiring more assistance than can be given at the reference desk
may be asked to make an appointment with the Government Documents Librarian. Patrons desiring mediated Internet
searches are encouraged to make appointments.
Reference assistance is also provided via email and telephone.
Return to About Government Documents
If you have trouble accessing this page, contact Sherry Engle Moeller at 614-688-8778 or moeller.63@osu.edu.
Please send any questions and comments to: moeller.63@osu.edu.
Created by: Sherry Engle Moeller. Last Modified: 26 January 2004.