Mastering United States Government Information

Starred review from July 1, 2020

Brown (reference librarian & coordinator of government documents, Univ. of Denver; Harnessing the Power of Google) discusses federal government documents published in a variety of formats (print, microforms, CD and DVD-ROMs, multiple audio and video formats, multimedia kits, and digital). The materials include series, individual titles, Serial Sets, items from the Federal Depository Library Program, GPO, Google Books, American State Papers, presidential documents, public and private laws, and congressional publications. Recognizing that many government documents are available on the internet but not easily accessible, Brown spends a considerable amount of time discussing effective search and access strategies, and presents sample queries most likely to identify and locate the desired resource. He frequently recommends websites such as the Internet Archive and HathiTrust. The most valuable material for attorneys and law librarians involves legislative histories. Other topics range from the history of government documents and statistical and economic resources to intellectual property. Exercises appear at the end of each chapter, along with bibliographies of current and historical resources. Clear, concise, and effective illustrations make this text informative and easy to use. VERDICT Brown's discussion of both print and digital government documents has paid off in an invaluable reference for all readers--professionals, academic, public and secondary school students--that won't be quickly outdated. Will particularly appeal to librarians, journalists, and researchers.--Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

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