Module 2: Maintaining The Depository Collection

Understanding Item Numbers

Depository libraries select documents by categories identified by unique item numbers
Each item number represents one or more series of related publications issued by a specific federal agency
When GPO issues a new item number, depositories receiving related item numbers will automatically receive publications for the new item number, too
There are three formats of item numbers:
 
  • number only (ex: 0254)
  • number-letter (ex: 0504-E)
  • number-letter-number (ex: 0188-A-07)
    • The last part of three-part item numbers sometimes indicates the state covered by the item number or the format of the publication
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    Next Page Return to the Home Page Additional Resources Test Your Knowledge Module 3 Module 2 Begin Module 1 Help with the Tutorial Previous Page Preservation and Storage How to Weed Preparing a Discard List Non-active Items Questions about Item and Classes Item Selection Update Cycle Tools for Depository Items Understanding Item Numbers Return to the Home Page Additional Resources Test Your Knowledge Module 3 Module 1 Help with the Tutorial