The Internet Archive has been officially designated as a federal depository library by the US Senate, joining a network of over 1,100 libraries that provide public access to government documents. This milestone, announced via a letter from California Senator Alex Padilla to the Government Publishing Office, underscores the Archive’s role in making government records more accessible in an increasingly digital world.
A New Role for Digital Preservation
Established in 1813, the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) ensures public access to government information, including budgets, federal regulations, presidential documents, economic reports, and census data. Each congressional member can nominate up to two libraries to join the program, and the Internet Archive’s inclusion highlights its digital-first approach. “The Archive’s expertise in digital preservation makes it a perfect fit for a modern federal depository library,” Senator Padilla noted.
Brewster Kahle, the Internet Archive’s founder, emphasized the benefits of this designation. “Being part of the program gets us closer to the source of government materials, ensuring reliable delivery to our users and partner libraries,” he said. The Archive’s experience could also support other libraries transitioning to digital preservation, enhancing the program’s reach.
Challenges Amid Recognition
This recognition comes at a challenging time for the Internet Archive, which has faced legal battles over its digital lending practices. In 2023, a federal court ordered the removal of over 500,000 digital books following a lawsuit from major publishers. More recently, the Archive’s Great 78 Project, aimed at preserving 78 RPM records, has been targeted by music labels, with potential damages exceeding $700 million. While the new depository status won’t directly address these legal issues, it reinforces the Archive’s public value.
A Milestone for Public Access
As the Internet Archive approaches a milestone of archiving 1 trillion pages in October, Kahle sees this as a testament to collaborative efforts to educate the public. “This designation strengthens our mission to provide universal access to knowledge,” he said. By integrating into the FDLP, the Internet Archive is poised to make government documents more accessible than ever, bridging the gap between traditional libraries and the digital age.