University of Kansas Libraries Selected by U.S. Government Printing Office to Serve as Preservation Steward

LAWRENCE, KS – The University of Kansas (KU) Libraries have been selected as a preservation steward for the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). KU Libraries were designated a Federal Depository Library in 1869 and a Regional Depository Library in 1976. These designations, along with the conservation services department's expertise in preservation, make the libraries uniquely qualified to act as a preservation steward. 

As one of four libraries nationwide to be chosen as a preservation steward, KU Libraries will be responsible for preserving government publications, specifically congressional materials, including hearings. 

“In my mind, the decision to become a preservation steward was the result of serendipity, as well as hard work that had already been done at KU Libraries,” says Kevin L. Smith, dean of libraries. “The opportunity to contribute to the preservation of an important aspect of our shared political history, and to partner with other depositories to support responsible decisions, was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

KU Libraries look forward to collaborating with the Federal Depository Library Program to ensure continued public access to government information resources. The preservation steward program is the culmination of years of planning to ensure common goals of preservation and access to government information and increased flexibility for member libraries.

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. The university's mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.

Featured

  • University of Idaho Debuts New Campus Housing Community

    The University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Vandal Village, a new campus housing community for graduate students and families, according to a news release.

  • Longwood University Hits Construction Milestone on New Music Education Facility

    Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of its new music education and performance facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with development and construction firm Skanska on the 63,800-square-foot facility, which began construction in August 2025 and has an estimated completion date of fall 2028.

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.