The Hiram College Library has been a selective depository for U.S. government publications since 1874. In 2024, the Library proudly celebrated the 150th anniversary of its designation as a Federal Depository Library. While its primary service population consists of Hiram College students, faculty, and staff, the Library also serves the residents of Ohio's 14th Congressional District.
The Library participates in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), receiving U.S. government publications at no upfront cost in exchange for maintaining an organized and accessible collection. Currently, millions of government documents are being digitized by the FDLP to improve accessibility. Due to the vast amount of online information now available, researchers are encouraged to begin their search he provided topic-specific links or the FDLP Basic Collection: Core U.S. Government Resources. These tools can help streamline the research process and provide quicker access to relevant materials.
Physical materials obtained through the program must be retained for at least five years (unless superseded). Disposal of individual documents after this period requires permission from the State Library of Ohio, following established guidelines. Many physical documents have been retained permanently as part of the historical record of federal government activity and research; the library provides access through its catalog to these publications.
