Written by: Sophie Lanzone
Ellis Library has a diverse set of collections, including our extensive section on Government Documents. The library has been a participant in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1862, which allows it to provide public access to a wide range of federal government publications. These documents are located on the east side of the first floor and include various types of government information, such as agency reports, appropriations, census data, and Supreme Court decisions. The collection offers a rich source of historical and current information that can support research in fields like education, social work, political science, economics, public policy, law, and history.
In addition to federal documents, Ellis Library also holds Missouri state government documents. These publications are integrated into the general library collections under standard call numbers, such as the Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal system, making them easy to find alongside other academic materials. The library also maintains government documents in microfiche format, which are stored in drawers near the Government Documents office. Students and faculty studying political science or are just interested in public policy can use federal and state reports to analyze the effects of government decisions and track policy changes over time. Students can use these resources to develop case studies, research papers, and presentations. The accessibility and diversity of government documents make them a critical resource for anyone seeking to understand the workings of government and its influence on various aspects of society.
When you navigate to the Government Documents tab under “Libraries & Collections,” you’ll find a comprehensive guide to various government documents. On the left side, you can choose between Federal or Missouri documents. The guide includes resources like agency reports, census data, appropriations, and Supreme Court decisions, organized alphabetically by document type. Use the left navigation bar for more details on federal, state, or local information. You can access the guide here. You can also explore the Government Documents Policy and Procedure Guide, which outlines the collection’s various aspects. For example, the maps section includes national park maps, army mapping services, jet navigation charts, tactical pilotage charts, and more. To learn more about different resources, you can access the guide here.
For assistance in locating and using these resources, the Government Documents office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The staff can help guide researchers to the appropriate materials and provide insight into how to navigate the collection effectively. This ensures that students and researchers can make the most of the extensive government document resources available at Ellis Library.