Evolving with the FDLP: A Case Study on Managing the Shift to Digital Government Documents

The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) has long been a cornerstone of public access to government information, with depository libraries serving as custodians of essential physical documents. However, the FDLP's recent transition to an all-online distribution model—abruptly ending the regular delivery of physical materials to most depository libraries—has fundamentally altered the landscape. This shift raises the urgent and pressing question: What is the point of a depository program that no longer sends out deposits? This paper explores depository libraries' profound identity crisis as they grapple with a mission that is increasingly difficult to define without the tangible materials that once anchored their role. Through a detailed case study, we examine how one library is navigating this transition, exploring the future of FDLP participation and exploring the broader implications for public access and the role of libraries in a digital-first era.