THE MESSAGE BELOW IS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES,
VOL. 16, #12  (Sept. 15, 1995).


INVITATION TO FALL COUNCIL MEETING

        In this issue of Administrative Notes you'll find the preliminary
agenda for the fall meeting of the Depository Library Council, to be held
in Memphis, TN, October 16-18, 1995.  I encourage everyone to take a look
at the schedule and make every effort to attend this timely and important
meeting.

        As we all know, these are challenging times for the Federal
Depository Library Program (FDLP).  Technological developments and
activities in Congress and elsewhere are impacting the program and
depository libraries in a number of ways, and the pace of change appears
to be increasing.  To address some of these issues, we have chosen as a
general theme for the fall meeting, "The Role of Depository Libraries in
a New Government Information Infrastructure."

        One of the most significant recent developments affecting the
FDLP involves a study requested by Congress in the FY1996 Legislative
Branch Appropriations bill (H.R. 1854).  This study is to identify
measures necessary for a successful transition to a more electronically
based Federal Depository Library Program.  The study and resulting
strategic plan will be used by agencies, GPO, and Congress in planning
for FY1997 appropriations.  Needless to say, this is an extremely
important step in the progress of the program, and a significant portion
of the Council meeting will be devoted to this study.

        Another item of note is the draft revision of the "Guidelines for
the Federal Depository Library Program" that will be discussed at the
fall meeting.  This revision attempts to bring the guidelines up-to-date
by incorporating provisions for servicing electronic information.  Copies
of the draft guidelines will be sent to each depository library in
advance of the fall Council meeting, and we look forward to your comments
and input.

        Many factors, such as the items mentioned above, will influence
the future direction of the FDLP and how we service Federal Government
information.  The Depository Library Council hopes you will be able to
join us this fall, as we all work to define the role and responsibilities
of depository libraries in the electronic information age.

        See you in Memphis!

        Daniel P. O'Mahony, Chair
        Depository Library Council

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