The Superintendent of Documents uses an alpha/numeric classification system which assigns a SuDoc number to each publication. This system classifies each document by the agency or department that issues the document, not by subject. For example SuDoc classification A is for materials issued by the Agriculture Department. Consequently it is impossible to browse the collection since each agency/department issues documents on various subjects.
Explanation of the SuDoc Classification System
Quick Tips:
The University of Memphis Library has been a Federal Depository since 1966. At that time we received about 65% of the materials that were offered through the Federal Depository Library Program. In 1989 the Library became the Regional Depository for the state of Tennessee. From that time forward the Library receives 100% of the offered materials. There are 22 other depository libraries in Tennessee listed here. In order to be certain if the Library owns a document, several places must be checked depending upon the date.
Catalog Classic For all government publications published from 1989 to present.
Marcive WebDocs For all government publications published from 1976 to present.
Monthly Catalog Of U.S. Government Publications For Materials prior to 1976. (A paper catalog of government publications located in the Government Publications Department Reading Room)
OTHER FINDING AIDS
The Government Publications department has special locations for certain materials that are not shelved in the stacks by SuDoc number. This is done for a number of different reasons, but usually for the reason of format.
Government Periodicals (GovPer) Stack ranges 48 thru 50
Census Stack ranges 51 thru 52 & Reading Room
Maps Map Library & Microform Area
CD's Microform area & Range 52
Pamphlets Microform area
International Information Reading Room
Federal Register & CFR Reading Room
The Complete Guide to Citing Government Information Resources. Diane L. Garner
REF J9.5 G37x 1993 (located behind the RIS Desk)
Citing U.S. Congressional Documents
Brief Guide to Citing Government Publications
Legal Research & Citations in the USA
Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees. The number of representatives with full voting rights is 435, a number set by Public Law 62-5 on August 8, 1911, and in effect since 1913. The number of representatives per state is proportionate to population.
The Senate has 100 members, 2 senators for each state. The Constitution gives the Senate responsiblity to ratify treaties, approve nominations from the Executive Branch, and pass legislation.
The various publications from the United States Congress mainly correspond with the steps involved with a Bill becoming a Law. Each step along the way has its own publication. Taken collectively, these publications constitute a history of the law. Listed below are links to these various publications.
BILL
Bill Search from Congressional Universe (UofM Only)
Bill Search from GPO's govinfo Service
Hearings
Congressional Universe (UofM Only)
Congressional Record
Congressional Universe (UofM Only)
Public Laws/Statutes at Large
Congressional Universe (UofM Only)
Messages and Papers of the Presidents
This is an 11-volume work (10 numbered volumes, plus one supplement) of the messages and papers of the presidents of the US from 1787 through 1902. The main 10 volumes of this edition were published in 1902, and the supplemental volume was published in 1904. (University of Pennsylvania)
Public Papers of the Presidents
The Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States contains material that was compiled and published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration. It includes volumes covering the administrations of Presidents Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton & Obama. (University of Michigan)
Presidential Directives & Executive Orders
American Presidency Project (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Directives & orders from Truman through Obama (Federation of American Scientists)
Foreign Relations of the United States
This is an incomplete run from 1861-1960 with missing volumes being added as they can be acquired and processed. (Univesity of Illinois & University of Wisconsin)
Truman through Johnson (U.S. State Department)
Impeachment Bibliography (California State University at Stanislaus)
Article III of the United States Constitution created the independent judiciary.
Official Website for the U.S. Supreme Court
Rules of the U.S. Supreme Court
Supreme Court Historical Society
FedWorld Contains 7,407 Decisions from volumes 300 through 422 of U.S. Reports.