The FDLP website (https://www.fdlp.gov/) has several guidance articles on this topic:


Access to Collections - https://www.fdlp.gov/requirements-guidance-2/guidance/9-access-to-collections


Free, Public Access - https://www.fdlp.gov/requirements-guidance-2/guidance/18-free-public-access


Physical Collections and Collection Maintenance - https://www.fdlp.gov/requirements-guidance-2/guidance/22-physical-facilities


<https://www.fdlp.gov/requirements-guidance-2/guidance/22-physical-facilities>

Security of Library Users and Collections - https://www.fdlp.gov/requirements-guidance-2/guidance/26-security-of-library-users-and-collections


The definition of "timely access" or "reasonable amount of time" often varies depending on collection location or material type; the bigger issue is making sure your users know how to gain access to those depository materials that may not be in open stacks.  For example, if you have materials housed off-site or in closed stacks, your website should specify how long it takes to retrieve materials from those locations; if you offer 24 hour turn-around time on such requests for non-depository materials, you need to do the same with depository items.  Or if you do not allow users to pull older depository maps from map cases due to their condition, you need make it clear that these materials are available for use but must be retrieved by staff only.  The idea is to ensue access to depository materials while addressing the practical issues of housing materials in any given library.


Hope this helps!


Hallie Pritchett
Head, Map and Government Information Library
Map and Federal Regional Depository Librarian
University of Georgia Libraries
Athens, GA 30602
[log in to unmask]
706-542-0664
Map and Government Information Library -
www.libs.uga.edu/magil<http://www.libs.uga.edu/magil>
________________________________
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Salvano, Christopher M. <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2017 6:27:49 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FDLP Definition of "Timely Access"


Hi all,


I have an FDLP question: has anyone ever been provided with or encountered an interpretation of the "timely access"  and "reasonable amount of time" language found in the Legal Requirements & Program Regulations of the Federal Depository Library Program (2011)? To wit:


"19. All depository materials must be housed in a manner that facilitates timely access (p. 5)."


Likewise:


"37. Access to the depository collection must be provided in a reasonable amount of time regardless of its format;... (p. 7)."


I realize that this language was probably left intentionally vague, but I'm wondering if there are some established parameters or definitions out there.


Thank you,

Chris



--
Chris Salvano, MLIS
Map Curator
Department of Geography
California State University, Northridge
818-677-3465