Olson Library is one of 11 remaining Michigan Documents Depository Libraries and is the only such facility in the Upper Peninsula. The state consolidated the number of depository libraries from 54 in response to recent budget difficulties and the government's increasing use of electronic dissemination and digital archiving practices.
Legislative statute directs the Library of Michigan to collect, distribute and preserve published state government information. Materials are acquired from government agencies and deposited in the Library of Michigan's collection, as well as in a network of designated depository libraries around the state to provide citizens with free and equal access to state government information. “We’re all kind of excited," said Bruce Sarjeant (AIS-Library). "We’ve finally got some boxes from the Library of Michigan." The Library of Michigan still collects certain publications in print or other tangible formats, but as of 2006, the primary format for depository publications is electronic. Only publications listed on the "Core List of Michigan Documents" and those not available in electronic format are distributed to depository libraries. Documents stored at these locations include information on agricultural, historical, social, economic, political, legal, environmental, judicial, cultural and health-related aspects of life in Michigan. Olson Library is able to offer printed documents for the public to peruse, as well as links to electronic copies, Sarjeant said. The documents also will be available through interlibrary loan. |
