The University of South Alabama Library wants the public to learn more about its unique collection of federal documents Sept. 15-19 during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of its designation as a Federal Depository Library.

The USA Library became a federal depository in 1968 through the efforts of then U.S. Rep. Jack Edwards and Geraldine Irby, the first government documents librarian.

The U.S. Congress established the Federal Depository Library Program to ensure that the American people have access to government information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public’s right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving and assisting users with information from and about the federal government.

The following events to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the University’s federal depository designation are scheduled inside the USA Library:

• Monday, Sept. 15 – “Take Charge! Informed Health Decisions for Older Adults,” a government documents workshop conducted by USA librarians Paula Webb and Beverly Rossini, 1-2 p.m., Room 305.

“Citizenship and the U.S. Constitution,” a Sept. 15 lecture presented by Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine, 3-4 p.m., auditorium.

• Tuesday, Sept. 16 – “Statistical Resources for Student Research,” a government documents workshop conducted by USA senior librarian Vicki Tate, 1-2 p.m., Room 305.

• Wednesday, Sept. 17 – 40th Anniversary Celebration as a Federal Depository Library, a reception featuring government document and map displays, refreshments and special gift mementos, 10 a.m.- noon in the Government Documents, Map Area.

Constitution Day Lecture: “Alabama and American Constitutional Law,” presented Sept. 17 by Brannon Denning, associate professor of law at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, 3-4 p.m., auditorium.

• Thursday, Sept. 18 – “Drug Education Information,” a government documents workshop presented by Tate, 1-2 p.m., Room 305.

• Friday, Sept. 19 – “Take Charge! Health, Diet and Personal Safety for College Students,” a workshop conducted by Webb and Rossini, 1-2 p.m., Room 305.

Throughout the week, guests are invited to test their knowledge by playing the 1968 Trivia Quiz or the Constitution Test. Enter at the Government Documents Desk on 2nd floor south. Participants who pass the test may enter their names in a drawing for prizes to include an alarm clock with CD player, portable barbeque kettle grill, SAK purse, $10 USA TracCard and a 4 GB flash drive. The prize drawing will be held Friday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.m.

“Documents to the People,” an exhibit of government information representative of the variety of materials published by the U.S. government to keep its citizens informed will be displayed through Sept. 30 in the library’s Third Floor Gallery.

The USA Library is located at 307 North University Blvd. on the USA main campus. For additional information, call (251) 460-7024, or visit www.southalabama.edu/univlib.