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Research Guides

Sample government documents

For help on finding government reports, check with the staff at Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMM) located on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library. For additional sources of US government information see the guide for US Federal Government Resources.

Federal Documents

Government Documents as a Research Resources

The Federal Government produces a wide array of publications ranging from Congressional bills, debates, hearings and reports to agency research publications, maps and posters. Plus there is census and statistical data, presidential speeches, scientific studies, propaganda, diplomatic correspondence and more.

As primary sources these official governmental publications provide insight into all aspects of history from social issues to politics, from cultural mores to scientific endeavor.

Help: Unpacking Evidence: Official Documents & Learning to Do Historical Research: Government Documents.