The U.S. Government Printing Office manages several information dissemination programs mandated by U.S.C. Title 44; including both the Federal Depository Library Program and the Cataloging and Indexing Program. The Cataloging and Indexing Program is a “comprehensive index of public documents,” including “every document issued or published … not confidential in character.” This is derived from the statutory requirements for cataloging and indexing codified at 44 U.S.C. §§1710-1711 and 44 U.S.C. §4101(a).

The goal of the Cataloging and Indexing Program is to develop a comprehensive and authoritative national bibliography of U.S. Government publications to increase the visibility and use of Government information products, and to develop a premier destination for information searchers. Historically, the national bibliography was issued as a printed catalog called the Monthly Catalog of U.S. Government Publications. In 2004, this paper publication was replaced by an online searchable catalog, the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP). The CGP contains bibliographic records for U.S. Government publications generated by GPO since July 1976. Many of the records within the CGP contain direct links to publications available online. The catalog is updated daily with new and historical publication records, making the CGP the central point for locating new and historical Government publications.

Federal depository libraries interested in working with GPO to exchange cataloging records, work together to catalog older materials, or on other cataloging related project are encouraged to review the Cooperative Cataloging Guidelines and contact the partnership coordinator.