Introduction
Colorado’s public libraries play a pivotal role in ensuring residents have free and permanent access to state government publications and resources. This commitment is enshrined in Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) §24-90-201 to 208, which mandate the establishment of a state publications depository and distribution center. (colorado.public.law)
The Colorado State Publications Library (CoSPL)
Established in 1980, CoSPL is a division of the Colorado State Library within the Department of Education. Its mission is to provide Colorado residents with free, permanent public access to information produced by state government agencies, including the General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, the Supreme Court, and state colleges and universities. (cde.state.co.us)
Key Functions of CoSPL
- Acquisition and Cataloging: CoSPL obtains and catalogs publications from state agencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage of state-produced information.
- Digital Repository: Publications that are “born digital” are archived in CoSPL’s digital repository, providing easy online access. (hermes.cde.state.co.us)
- Distribution: CoSPL distributes publications to depository libraries across Colorado, ensuring widespread availability.
- Address: 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
- Phone: (970) 248-1875
- Website: Tomlinson Library Government Documents
- Address: 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Phone: (719) 389-6662
- Website: Tutt Library Policies
- CoSPL’s Mission: Provide free, permanent public access to state government publications.
- Tomlinson Library’s Role: Selective depository receiving about 50% of available publications.
- Tutt Library’s Collection: Approximately 150,000 items, including paper, microfiche, maps, and CD-ROMs/DVDs.
- CORA’s Purpose: Ensure transparency and accountability through public access to government documents.
- Colorado State Publications Library Digital Repository, 2023/2024/2025 (hermes.cde.state.co.us)
- Tomlinson Library at Colorado Mesa University, 2023/2024/2025 (coloradomesa.edu)
- Charles L. Tutt Library at Colorado College, 2023/2024/2025 (coloradocollege.edu)
- Overview of the Colorado Open Records Act, 2016 (leg.colorado.gov)
Accessing Government Publications in Public Libraries
Many public libraries in Colorado serve as depositories for government publications, offering residents direct access to these resources. Notable examples include:
Tomlinson Library at Colorado Mesa University
As a selective depository library, Tomlinson Library receives about 50% of the publications made available, focusing on materials that reflect the university’s curriculum and local interest. (coloradomesa.edu)
Charles L. Tutt Library at Colorado College
Since 1880, Tutt Library has been a selective U.S. Government Documents Depository, maintaining a collection of approximately 150,000 items, including paper, microfiche, maps, and CD-ROMs/DVDs. (coloradocollege.edu)
Utilizing the Colorado State Publications Library Digital Repository
CoSPL’s digital repository offers a vast collection of state publications accessible online. Residents can search for publications by author, title, subject, and keyword through the online catalog. (hermes.cde.state.co.us)
Legal Framework and Access Rights
The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) establishes a presumption in favor of public access to government documents, ensuring transparency and accountability. CORA defines public records and outlines exemptions, providing a framework for accessing government information. (leg.colorado.gov)
Conclusion
Colorado’s public libraries, in partnership with CoSPL, are dedicated to providing residents with free and permanent access to state government publications and resources. By utilizing these services, Coloradans can stay informed and engaged with state government activities.