How to Find Government Documents

Lauinger Library has been a selective depository for U.S. government documents since 1969. The library selects approximately 57% of the available depository publications in areas supporting the educational and research missions of the university.

You can find documents using GEORGE, the online catalog. You can search by author, title, subject, or keyword search.

GEORGE will indicate the location, call number, and status of the document. Here is an example:

Documents may be in several formats, including print, microfiche, CD-ROM or DVD. In the catalog record above, "LOCATION" tells you this document is in the Lauinger Library Government Documents Stacks. Clicking on the location gives you specific location information and links to maps.

"CALL NUMBER" indicates the identifying number to locate the document. Most are Superintendent of Documents Classification numbers in an alphabetical and numerical representation of a book's location on the shelf. Note that classification numbers are assigned according to the Agency which produced the document, not by the subject matter. Thus, Superintendent of Documents Classification numbers beginning with the letter "A" will be produced by the Department of Agriculture; those with the letter "S" by the Department of State, etc. The one exception is Congressional publications, which begin with the letter "Y."

"STATUS" indicates the status of the document. "IN LIBRARY" indicates that the document should be available. "DUE" and a date indicates that a document is checked out.

If you need assistance, ask at the main Reference Desk, call (202) 687-7452, or use the e-mail reference service.