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Government Information Help Guide

Information produced by the federal government can be helpful for a wide variety of research needs. While UDC is not a member of the Federal Depository System, federal government information is readily available at the UDC Library.

What is government information?

Photography of the Capitol Dome against a partly cloudy sky.Government information is resources and products which are created, compile, or published by official government agencies or branches. This information is created at the government's expense or as required by law. Government information can be printed reports, online databases, or in multimedia formats.

Government information covers a wide range of current and historical information. You can find resources on a variety of subjects including but not limited to:

  • Art
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Consumer Resources
  • Criminal Justice
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Foreign and International Relations
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Science
  • Technology

Depending on which resource you find, government information is can include primary and/or secondary sources. A lot of original research is conducted by government agencies. This includes scientific research, polls, interviews, and reports. Government information can also be books, articles, posters, photographs, maps, kits, phamplets, or other format.

Why use government information?

Government information is both extensive and reliable. Most government agencies are required, by law, to issue various reports on data and statistics. These must be collected and distributed for public use. Additionally, the government funds scientific, medical, and technology research, and most of these programs are required to release their findings. 

Related Guides

Help Guides

We have created several Help Guides to help you navigate using library and information resources and tools. These guides are designed to walk you through finding what you need while offering tips, tricks, and other useful information. 

Something Missing?

Do you see something missing from this guide? Let us know! Icon of a question mark over a person

The library is always open to adding missing content to our guides. We are happy to add new links, information, and resources you may be aware of. Please email us at ask@udc.libanswers.com to share any links or information you would like to see us include.