Government Information

FDLP Eagle

About | Contact | Research Guide

The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library is a Federal Depository Library and the Regional Depository Library for Montana. The library has stewardship over a large collection of current and historical publications produced by the federal government, and the library offers reference and research services to help people find, access, and use government information. This collection and these services are available to the University of Montana community and to the general public.

As a depository library, we are committed to equity of access and dedicated to the free and unrestricted public use of government information. The public, University of Montana affiliates and Montana residents may check out most government publications, and the library has open access computers available for members of the public to access federal government websites. All library users, including users of depository information, must abide by the library policy for conduct.

About the Collection

The Mansfield Library became a federal depository library in 1909 and the regional depository for Montana in 1965. The library has acquired and maintains more than a million books, maps, CD- and DVD-ROMs, and microforms produced by the government. This includes older publications produced prior to the library becoming a depository. The library also incorporates links to newer, digital government reports into the library catalog.

These publications cover a broad array of subjects and serve many purposes. Here are some examples:

  • Bill and laws
  • Scientific reports on forestry, geology, health and anthropology
  • Pamphlets on government programs and pamphlets with guidance to the public on issues of the day
  • Statistics on most aspects of American life
  • Topographic, geologic, nautical, bathymetric and political maps

Contact

The library offers research help to members of the University of Montana community and members of the general public. The library also offers instruction in access and use of government publications to classes at the University. A government documents coordinator is available for assistance in-person, by phone, and by email:

Assistant Professor Natalie Bond

natalie.bond@umontana.edu

(406) 243-4558

Research Guide

The Government Information research guide provides information about the collection and links to key government sites for research.