Government Publishing Office

Government Publishing Office (GPO) is a United States federal government agency responsible for producing, procuring, cataloging, indexing, authenticating, disseminating, and preserving the official information products of the federal government. The GPO provides these services to all three branches of the federal government, including the United States Congress, the Supreme Court, federal agencies, and the public.

History

The Government Publishing Office was established by Congress on June 23, 1860, with the mission to "inform the nation" by distributing the official publications of the United States government. The agency was originally named the Government Printing Office but was renamed in 2014 to reflect the evolving nature of its services, including digital publishing.

Functions

The GPO's primary functions include the production and distribution of information products and services for all branches of the federal government, including:

• Printing and binding of Congressional Record, Federal Register, and other official documents.
• Electronic publishing and dissemination of government information through the GPO's Federal Digital System (FDsys), which was replaced by govinfo in 2016.
• Managing the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), which ensures public access to government documents in libraries across the country.
• The production of United States passports for the United States Department of State.

Digital Initiatives

In response to the digital age, the GPO has undertaken several initiatives to provide electronic access to government information:

• The launch of the Federal Digital System (FDsys) in 2009, and its successor, govinfo, in 2016, to provide free online access to official publications from all three branches of the federal government.
• The implementation of the U.S. Government Bookstore, which allows the public to purchase government publications.
• The development of apps and eBooks for accessing government information on mobile devices and eReaders.

Sustainability Efforts

The GPO has also made strides in sustainability, implementing programs to reduce waste and increase recycling in its printing and production processes. This includes the use of recycled paper and vegetable-based inks.

Controversies and Challenges

Throughout its history, the GPO has faced various challenges, including adapting to technological changes, managing costs, and ensuring the security of sensitive information. Despite these challenges, the GPO continues to play a crucial role in the dissemination of government information.

See Also

• United States Congress
• Supreme Court of the United States
• Federal Depository Library Program
• United States Department of State