Internet Archive has been designated a federal depository library. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the designation:
- Why did Internet Archive pursue becoming a federal depository library?
- This is the culmination of years of work building Democracy’s Library, a free, open, online collection of government research and publications from around the world. As Brewster Kahle, digital librarian of the Internet Archive, explained to KQED:
“By being part of the program itself, it just gets us closer to the source of where the materials are coming from, so that it’s more reliably delivered to the Internet Archive, to then be made available to the patrons of the Internet Archive or partner libraries.”
- This is the culmination of years of work building Democracy’s Library, a free, open, online collection of government research and publications from around the world. As Brewster Kahle, digital librarian of the Internet Archive, explained to KQED:
- What does the FDLP designation mean for Internet Archive in practical terms?
- It means that Internet Archive will get more documents from the Government Publishing Office and from other FDLP partner libraries that we will preserve, digitize (if in physical form), and make available through archive.org. Internet Archive currently receives donations of government documents from libraries, but there are some materials that can only be donated to other FDLP libraries. By being part of the program, Internet Archive can now work with those libraries, and GPO directly, to preserve, digitize, and provide access to even more public information.
- It means that Internet Archive will get more documents from the Government Publishing Office and from other FDLP partner libraries that we will preserve, digitize (if in physical form), and make available through archive.org. Internet Archive currently receives donations of government documents from libraries, but there are some materials that can only be donated to other FDLP libraries. By being part of the program, Internet Archive can now work with those libraries, and GPO directly, to preserve, digitize, and provide access to even more public information.
- How are FDLP designations made?
- Libraries can become part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) in two main ways. First, some libraries are designated by law—for example, land grant universities automatically qualify. Second, members of Congress can designate libraries in their district or state to join the FDLP, as long as there’s a vacancy and the library can show it’s capable of serving the public’s need for access to government information. The Internet Archive was designated as a federal depository library on July 24, 2025, by Senator Alex Padilla of California.
- Libraries can become part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) in two main ways. First, some libraries are designated by law—for example, land grant universities automatically qualify. Second, members of Congress can designate libraries in their district or state to join the FDLP, as long as there’s a vacancy and the library can show it’s capable of serving the public’s need for access to government information. The Internet Archive was designated as a federal depository library on July 24, 2025, by Senator Alex Padilla of California.
- Does this mean the government owns the Wayback Machine?
- No. Becoming a Federal Depository Library does not give the government any ownership of or control over the Wayback Machine or the Internet Archive’s collections. The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) is a voluntary partnership that helps libraries provide free public access to government publications. The Internet Archive remains an independent, nonprofit research library, and continues to curate and operate its collections—including the Wayback Machine—on its own terms.
- No. Becoming a Federal Depository Library does not give the government any ownership of or control over the Wayback Machine or the Internet Archive’s collections. The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) is a voluntary partnership that helps libraries provide free public access to government publications. The Internet Archive remains an independent, nonprofit research library, and continues to curate and operate its collections—including the Wayback Machine—on its own terms.
- What does this designation mean for Internet Archive?
- Becoming a member of the Federal Depository Library Program furthers Internet Archive’s mission to provide “Universal access to all knowledge.” It is the culmination of years of existing collaborations and partnerships with FDLP libraries. With our new designation as a federal depository library, we’re officially part of the national network that provides the public with free access to government publications. That means we can now acquire, preserve, and share even more official government documents—further expanding our collections and strengthening public access to government information.