Getting Started
Like with most information, Government Information can be found in many locations and formats. This guide will direct you to some of the most powerful and heavily used Government Resources available. If you are looking for specific information, especially on local topics, it is certainly possible that none of these resources will guide you to what you need. If you cannot find what you're looking for, please make sure to contact me at Ottavian@geneseo.edu.
In addition, if you have any suggestions about additional resources to add to this guide, let me know and I would be happy to consider making changes.
Federal vs State vs Local
One of the keys to finding Government information is knowing where to look. Federal Information will be found in different places than State, Local or International Government Information. Unfortunately there is no one place you can go to find all of this.
This guide will give you tips for finding information on all levels of Government.
News from the White House
Recommended Resources
The following are some of the best resources available when searching for Government Information.
- FDsys - Government Publications This link opens in a new windowThe Government Printing Office's Federal Digital System (FDsys) is an advanced digital system that enables GPO to manage Government information from all three branches of the U.S. Government.
- FedWorldThe FedWorld.gov web site is a gateway to government information. This site is managed by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) as part of it's information management mandate.
- NY.govA portal to the 3 branches of New York State's Government and, and the many departments they include. Important forms such as Tax forms, voter registration forms and others made available by the state government can be found here.
- Core Documents of U.S. DemocracyA compilation of both historical and modern documents and resources that have helped to define America's Modern Democracy.
- Congress.govProvides full-text access to current and recent U.S. Congressional and legislative documents. Includes some historical documents.
- Constitution Annotated (Congress.gov)Contains legal analysis and interpretation of the United States Constitution, based primarily on Supreme Court case law.
Primary Resources?
Something to keep in mind when researching Government Information is that a large portion of what you find is considered to be primary information. Resources like the Congressional Record, Congressional Hearings, Census Information, Treaties and Foreign Relations Documents can all give you valuable first hand accounts of an enormous range of topics and events. This barely scratches the surface of the primary information published by the government. For some topics, Government documents will be some of the strongest and most widely available and accessable Primary Sources out there.
Keep in mind however, that Government Information does also include some secondary sources as well. If you have any questions about whether the resource you are looking at is primary or secondary, make sure to contact a librarian.
Subject Guide
Research Help
If you cannot find what you're looking for, make sure to schedule a Research Consultation with a librarian, who can help to guide you through your research.
