New Mexico State Library

Federal Government Publications

Information for libraries about the New Mexico State Library Federal Depository Library Program

The New Mexico State Library has served as a Federal Depository Library for the State of New Mexico since 1960 and is one of three libraries sharing the New Mexico Regional Depository duties; the New Mexico State Library, the University of New Mexico, and the New Mexico State University.

There are 9 selective federal depository libraries. Public and school librarians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the resources of the library in their region for appropriate patron referral. Each collection has its own unique focus and staff that specialize in the retrieval of government information.

The New Mexico State Library also serves as a coordinating agency with the U.S. Census Bureau and other New Mexico partners in the state for the State Data Center program. The State Library collects Census Data from 1790 to the present, and provides access and assistance to the public and state government in the location and use of Census information. State library staff is trained in the use of Census web sites and holds specialized resources for the retrieval of Census Data. For assistance, call the toll free reference line 1-800-876-2203.

  • Census Information at the New Mexico State Library
  • Professional Resources for Federal Depository Libraries

 


About Federal Publications at NMSL

New Mexico State Library reference librarians provide professional guidance to New Mexico citizens and librarians in the location and use of federal information online and in paper.  Most federal publications can be borrowed directly or through your local library with an Inter-library Loan request.

Finding Federal Publications

Federal titles published after 1976 are included in the State Library’s online catalog as well as on the Library of Congress site Congress.Gov and via Govinfo.gov. The State Library catalog lists titles that are available electronically as well as those in our paper collection. In addition, digital Federal documents can be found on the following sites:

  • TRAIL the technical report archive and image library
  • Hathi Trust a digital preservation repository library
  • DPLA the digital public library of America

Historic Federal Publications

In addition to publications published after 1960, the State Library has several historical sets from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century. Only a few of these historical documents are included in the State Library’s online catalog. The New Mexico State Library reference staff can help you determine the library’s holdings of these pre-1976 works. Call the reference Desk: (505) 476-9702 or Ask a Librarian .

  • Serial Set volumes and congressional surveys and reports of explorations in New Mexican Territory
  • USGS professional reports, surveys and bulletins
  • Civil War Records
  • World War I and World War II histories
  • Smithsonian Documents
  • Bureau of Ethnology Reports
  • Census Reports
  • Immigration Statistics
  • U. S. Statutes at Large

The State Library also collects documents and participates in or supports the following programs:

Only a few of these historical documents are included in the State Library’s online catalog. The New Mexico State Library reference staff can help you determine the library’s holdings of these pre-1976 works. Call the reference Desk: (505) 476-9702 or Ask a Librarian .


Government Apps

There are Federal apps for all major platforms as well as mobile websites that work across various platforms. The apps and mobile websites created by Federal and state governments generally fall into a few basic categories:  government and legal document apps, government services apps, government website apps, and consumer tools apps.


Contacts:

  • Lori Thornton, Coordinator of the Federal Depository
    Main contact for questions about the Federal Depository Library Program lori.thornton@dca.nm.gov or (505) 476-9717
  • Katherine Montoya, Public Services Supervisor
    Contact for questions about the Federal Depository Library Program katherinel.montoya@dca.nm.gov or (505) 476-9739
  • Nicodemus Montoya, Federal Documents Collection Manager
    Oversees needs and offers and the Federal collection nicodemus.montoya@dca.nm.gov or (505) 476-9713