Illinois State Library

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS DOCUMENTS DEPOSITORY PROGRAM

The Illinois Documents collection at the State Library is a historical representation of state government since Illinois was granted statehood in 1818. Recognizing the need for public access to government information, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law in 1967 requiring each state agency to deposit copies of their publications with the State Library for its collection and exchange purposes. Publications received for the collection are in many formats: paper, microform, electronic, maps, sound recordings, etc. All items received for the collection are available for public use, and most circulate. Types of reports received include annual reports, special reports, statistical information, verbatim debates of the Illinois General Assembly. There are 24 depositories in Illinois including the Illinois State Library.

All items received at the State Library for the Illinois Documents collection are published in a monthly listing, Illinois Documents List, and an annual compilation, Publications of the State Of Illinois. Mailing lists are maintained for both titles and can be ordered by contacting the Illinois Documents staff at 217/782-6304. Both titles are free of charge.