Government Documents

U.S. Government Shutdown (and so it continues) --

Starting at 12:01 am on October 1st, the federal government started the procedures for shutting down most of the government services after Congress failed to reach a deal on its continued funding.  Most of the web presences will continue to be available, but any problems that occur may not be immediately addressed.

For more information, see:  

Government Shutdowns and Legislative Branch Operations: Frequently Asked Questions

     U.S. Congressional Research Service, 9/30/25 (CRS INSIGHT, IN12259)

Government Shutdowns and Executive Branch Operations: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    U.S. Congressional Research Service, 9/2/25 (CRS REPORT, R47693)

Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources

      U.S. Congressional Research Service, 9/30/25 (CRS REPORT, R41759)

"Picture this ..." -- Art & Photography Books in the Government Documents Collection

If you think all government documents are dry technical reports or congressional hearings, then think again.  Several government agencies (Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institute, NASA, NARA, and the Army Center for Military History--to name a few) have published visually interesting books for your enjoyment.

For a selection of the titles available in our collection, please visit our display on 2nd Floor South.  Feel free to peruse the books, or even check them out if you wish.  There is a 5-page list of the titles in the display, along with additional sample titles available in the collection.

For more information on the Visual Arts see the library's LibGuide -- Gov Docs: Visual Arts.

Other recent bibliographies on fun or interesting topics:

    Gov Docs: What's Cooking? Recipes & Cookbooks

     All That Jazz (Display Bibliography)

     Smokey Bear (Display Bibliography)

Fall into Government Documents

Get ready to Fall into Government Documents!  As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change, it's the perfect time to find that autumnal spirit with the Government Documents Department.  Cozy up with our newest display - featuring materials on bird migration, national park photos of beautiful fall foliage, and other autumn-themed treasures.  You'll be amazed at the wonderful resources you can find.

We invite you now to browse some of our department’s fall resources, on display at the Marx Library on 2nd Floor South with its 3-page bibliography. 

Topics in the News from Congressional Research Service

Due to the federal government shutdown during the entire month of October, there is only ONE report published by the Congressional Research Service during the last month:

Senate Consideration of Presidential Nominations: Committee and Floor Procedure 

     U.S. Congressional Research Service, 10/1/25 (CRS REPORT, RL31980)

(This little critter must have snuck in before the deadline.)