About

Federal Depository Library Program

March 22,1967, Fondren Library was designated by the U.S. Congress as a selective federal depository library, which is managed by Kelley Center and commited to achieve the mission and vision of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) "to provide free, equal, ready, and permanent public access to Federal Government information, now and for future generations" and "to provide government information when and where it is needed in order to create an informed citizenry and an improved quality of life." (FDLP Mission, Vision, & Values)

The FDLP was authorized by 44 U.S.C. § 19 and administered by the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). It was established by U.S. Congress in 1813 to ensure that the American public has access to Government information in depository libraries throughout the U.S. and its territories. Over time, the information technology has changed, but the mission and the vision of the FDLP stay the same.

Any one can visit and use free of charge the collections and free access assistance services at any of 1000+ Federal depository libraries across the United States. (Click here to locate a Federal depository library near you)

Kelley Center works closely with the GPO and the strong national network of federal depository libraries to:

disseminate a vast array of unique historical and current Federal documents in all formats - paper, microfiche, electronic
support various government information needs of the public
- provide expert reference assistance and training on searching and accessing government information resources
- provide equipment such microform viewer/scanner, computer with Internet access and necessary software, for viewing and accessing the Federal publications in all formats
- facilitate access to materials located at Fondren and other libraries you will find such as:
  - data and non data information on health, careers, business opportunities, the military, science, technology, travel, nutrition, and more
  - books, maps, microfiche, journals, and periodicals
  - access to digital Government information resources
  - historical publications dating back to the early days of the United States

Patent and Trademark Resource Center

Fondren was first designated a patent depository library in July 1977; over time, the program has changed with advances in technology and the needs of innovators and entrepreneurs. Today, Fondren is a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) managed by Kelley Center. The PTRC Program, supported by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, is a national network of designated libraries authorized by 35 U.S.C. 12 to:

Disseminate patent and trademark information, and
Support diverse intellectual property needs of the public.

Microforms and Maps

The Kelley Center assists research and instructional needs of the Rice and Houston community by providing access to and assistance with the Library's large collection of microform materials, physical atlases and maps, and a large, uncataloged set of AEC/Department of Energy documents.

Kelley Center Visitors

Our offices are in Room B38, open 9:00am-5:00pm. (Note: Our staff availability and schedule are subject to change.) To avoid any time conflict, secure a meeting; or, if you need assistance outside the hours listed above, please email or call to schedule an appointment ahead of the time. Staff will also be better prepared to assist you.

For assistance from the Kelley Center staff outside those hours, please contact us via:

Email: govhelp@rice.edu
Phone: (713) 348-5483, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. If no one answers, please leave a voice message with your name, contact information, and any questions.

Fondren Library's building access policy is subject to change without notice. Please visit Fondren Library's hours website for updates.

Kelley Center tangible collections and equipment are in the public area. You are welcome to use them; no staff permission is needed. They are easily accessible any time Fondren Library is open. Floor maps, public signs, and paper instructions are near collections and equipment to guide you. If you notice anything on the Kelley Center maps, public signs, or paper instructions that needs clarification or updating, please email govhelp@rice.edu. We will work on it.