KU Libraries selected by U.S. Government Printing Office to serve as preservation steward

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Libraries have been selected as a preservation steward for the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). KU Libraries were designated a Federal Depository Library in 1869 and a Regional Depository Library in 1976. These designations, along with the conservation services department's expertise in preservation, make the libraries uniquely qualified to act as a preservation steward. 

As one of four libraries nationwide to be chosen as a preservation steward, KU Libraries will be responsible for preserving government publications, specifically congressional materials, including hearings. 

“In my mind, the decision to become a preservation steward was the result of serendipity, as well as hard work that had already been done at KU Libraries,” said Kevin L. Smith, dean of libraries. “The opportunity to contribute to the preservation of an important aspect of our shared political history, and to partner with other depositories to support responsible decisions, was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

KU Libraries look forward to collaborating with the Federal Depository Library Program to ensure continued public access to government information resources. The preservation steward program is the culmination of years of planning to ensure common goals of preservation and access to government information and increased flexibility for member libraries.