Federal Depository Library

The USA Marx Library has been a member of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1968 and is one of 21 depository libraries in the state of Alabama. Our primary mission is to serve the needs of the faculty, students and staff at the University of South Alabama. We also serve the needs of the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District of Alabama, with emphasis on Mobile and Baldwin counties. This library is a congressionally-designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)

Marx Library University of South Alabama 5901 USA Drive North Mobile, AL 36688 Ph: (251) 460-7028webref@southalabama.edu

Government Documents

U.S. Government Shutdown--

Starting at 12:01 am on October 1st, the federal government started the procedures for shutting down most of the government services after Congress failed to reach a deal on its continued funding. Most of the web presences will continue to be available, but any problems that occur may not be immediately addressed.

For more information, see:

Government Shutdowns and Legislative Branch Operations: Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. Congressional Research Service, 9/30/25 (CRS INSIGHT, IN12259)

Government Shutdowns and Executive Branch Operations: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

U.S. Congressional Research Service, 9/2/25 (CRS REPORT, R47693)

Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources

U.S. Congressional Research Service, 9/30/25 (CRS REPORT, R41759)

In the News--

The last surviving combat pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen, Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, died on September 25, 2025, at the age of 100. Hardy was the youngest of the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first Black military pilots in the U.S. military. He served in World War II and later in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

For more information about the Tuskegee Airmen see the library's LibGuide -- Gov Docs: Tuskegee Airmen

Fall into Government Documents

Get ready to Fall into Government Documents! As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change, it's the perfect time to find that autumnal spirit with the Government Documents Department. Cozy up with our newest display - featuring materials on bird migration, national park photos of beautiful fall foliage, and other autumn-themed treasures. You'll be amazed at the wonderful resources you can find.

We invite you now to browse some of our department’s fall resources, on display at the Marx Library on 2nd Floor South with its 3-page bibliography.

U.S. Navy Turns 250 (1775-2025)

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing what is now called the United States Navy. After the American War on Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy in April 1798. Throughout its existence, its history has been filled with incredible stories, daring missions, and pivotal moments that have shaped American history. From the Revolutionary War to the modern era, the Navy has been a constant force protecting our nation's interests and safeguarding our freedoms.

In honor of this momentous achievement, the Government Documents Department has a small display on 2nd Floor South of some of the federal government materials on the subject. There is a companion 7-page bibliography, highlighting additional resources.