[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 63 (Monday, May 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E715-E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING ELMER ELLIS LIBRARY AT THE UNIVERISTY OF MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2012

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elmer Ellis 
Library at the University of Missouri on its 150th year of service in 
the Federal Depository Library Program, a program whose origins date 
back to 1813, when Congress first authorized the printing and 
distribution of copies of the Journals of the House and Senate, and 
other documents the chambers had ordered printed. One hundred and fifty 
years is a long time to do anything, especially, I would argue, to keep 
track of our government's too-numerous-to-name documents. Of course, I 
say that in jest--retention and preservation of tangible and digital 
information is critical, and future generations and scholars need an 
accurate record of the proceedings and actions of their government.
  Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right 
to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving and 
assisting users with information from the federal government. 
Government documents span a wide range--from agency information, 
appropriations, census data and technical reports to Supreme Court 
decisions and insertions into the Congressional Record, such as my 
remarks today.
  I also would like to take this opportunity to recognize Elmer Ellis 
Library on its recent receipt of the Federal Depository Library Program 
Spotlight Award, which highlights that not only is the library one of 
the oldest participants of the program, starting its program in 1862 in 
the midst of the Civil War, it also has one of the largest collections 
in the country, housing 1.5 million federal and Missouri state 
documents. Unbelievably, some of these documents date back to the 
founding of our nation.
  Since the Federal Depository Library Program's inception in 1813, 
much has changed. Depository libraries still act as the bridge between 
our nation's government and its services, offering free access and 
assistance to interested individuals. However, technology has

[[Page E716]]

transformed the way we create, process, store and distribute 
information. This means depository libraries must face the challenge of 
migrating government information to newer formats. Congress appreciates 
all of depository libraries' hard work and hopes to help move forward 
on these issues with them.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Elmer Ellis Library and its current coordinator, Marie 
Concannon, on reaching this significant milestone. Here's to another 
150 years of Elmer Ellis Library's chronicling this body's steps and 
missteps!

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