Government Publications

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U.S. Depository Library
Government Technical Reports
The U.S. government investment in research and development usually results in a technical report. These technical reports are detailed studies created to disseminate the research findings quickly and provide accountability for the funding agency. The technical report literature, often called "gray" literature, is often difficult to identify and locate. However, identifying and locating these technical reports is easier than in past years with the growth of technical reports databases and indexes.
General Research Tips
  • Often federally-funded technical reports are not in library online catalogs (other databases need to be searched -- see below).
  • Citations for technical reports often include agency names, agency report numbers or series, contract numbers, grant numbers, and accession numbers. All of these numbers and/or letters could be important in locating the report.
  • Use specific keywords when searching for technical reports, as they cover specialized subjects.
  • Be patient, identifying and locating generally requires searching through many databases and/or indexes.
  • Ask a librarian if you cannot find what you need. Try our online Ask A Librarian form.
Locating Technical Reports
While the CSM Library participates in the Government Printing Office's Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), most federally-funded technical reports are not included in that program. While CSM and other libraries throughout the country have collections, both large and small, of federally-funded technical reports, they are generally not found in the libraries online catalogs for a variety of reasons. In addition to library collections, many technical reports are disseminated directly through major government sources: the agencies themselves and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS).
Internet Resources/Databases/Indexes

If you are having problems finding a government publication, the Government Publications staff should be consulted. For more information on resources available from the Government Publications section, please contact a Government Publications staff member.
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