2017 TLA Conference

State government publications depository programs maintaining good practices serve as an invaluable tool for their citizens, reducing barriers to government information and promoting a climate of transparency and engagement. Tennessee’s depository program requires reform to adapt it to modern information needs. Academic, public, and select special libraries need to initiate a dialogue with the aim of creating a draft proposal to the General Assembly for an improved program. The dialogue needs to address three core areas: Digital Publications: Their role in the depository program and in its archival responsibilities. Physical Collections: New collection priorities defining required materials and the exploration of new consortial collecting areas among the state depository system. Information/Service Centers: A better defined relationship between the depositories and public libraries with the expressed purpose of further improving access and providing additional education.