Government Documents

Government Documents may be for YOU, if you are interested in:

Tracking down primary source information
Assisting and educating information seekers with a wide range of research interests
Employing computers to manipulate and visualize data

Coursework for specialization in Government Documents:

In addition to the MLS Core Requirements, we recommend:

Job Outlook for this field:

The U.S. Government Printing Office has forecast that most U.S. federal information will be available electronically by the year 2003. Even so, there are more than 1200 depository libraries assisting with the dissemination of this information and insuring free access to citizens. More and more libraries, academic, public and special, are recognizing the need to provide information specialists to assist users with statistical datasets, geographic information systems, and electronic access to government information. While there may be fewer positions specifically described as "government information librarians," positions are readily available for people qualified in the area of government information, especially if the candidate is familiar with the use of statistical datasets.

Qualities employers seek:

People skills: ability to work with diverse populations, communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and provide instructional assistance. Should be able to work as a member of a team since many Government Information Librarians now serve with other reference areas in providing reference services.
Familiarity and interest in current public affairs
Familiarity with the organization of government and publishing programs
Language skills especially for libraries collecting and providing access to information from International Governmental Organizations (frequently French or Spanish) and for collections with foreign documents.
Strong Electronic skills, specifically familiarly with spreadsheet and use of statistical information. Also increasing need for knowledge of geographic information systems. Skills should include collection management of electronic resources.
Strong management and supervisory skills would be very helpful.

Opportunities to gain experience in this field:

IUB's Government Publications Department provides several internships each semester for students to work directly with government information. All internships are customized to fit the needs of the individual SLIS student but can include reference and instructional experiences, cataloging and technical processing, management of electronic resources, and web resource development.

IUB's Government Publications Department also hires a number of SLIS students to serve as reference assistants. These positions provide invaluable exposure to the wealth of current and historical collections originally acquired from government sources.

IUB's Geography and Map Library also encourages applicants from the School of Library and Information Science for internships or paid positions to work with maps, atlases, and GIS programs.

Professional Associations

Government Documents Round Table (GODORT - ALA)
Map and Geography Round Table (MAGERT - ALA)
INDIGO: Indiana Network for Documents and Information from Governmental Organizations
Libraries at Purdue

Interested in knowing more? Contact:

On campus:

Government Publications Department C264 IUB Main Library 1320 E. 10th Street Bloomington, IN 47405 812-855-6924 libgpd@indiana.edu
IUB Law Library Law Building Bloomington, IN 47405 812-855-9666 Contact: Marianne Mason
Geography and Map Library Student Building 015 Bloomington, IN 47405 812-855-1108 libgm@indiana.edu

Many of IU's other campuses also have opportunities for government information specialists. Please contact them directly or talk with Lou Malcomb (See contact information below).

Employers:

See internship information above under Opportunities to gain experience in the Field.
Please contact malcomb@indiana.edu so we can include your information. Thank you.

Alumni:

Alumni: IU SLIS alumni working in the field of government information are numerous; more than should be listed on this page. Any alumni interested in having contact information posted please email malcomb@indiana.edu.

Interested in Knowing More?

Contact: Lou Malcomb
Government Publications Department
Indiana University Bloomington Libraries
1320 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
812-855-6924
malcomb@indiana.edu