Eleven percent of all federal documents available to depository libraries are held by the Library. All Pennsylvania documents available to depository libraries are also held. In addition, the Library purchases several commercially published sources to enhance this collection.

Federal documents are indentified on Altoona Library's online catalog, Web Cat, by their location and type "govdoc." These items are shelved in a restricted area on the balcony. Pennsylvania government documents are also housed in this area. Just ask at the reference desk for the document you need and staff will gladly bring it to you. Heavily used documents are held with the rest of the reference books on the first floor and are available for use in the Library.

Historical items dealing with Pennsylvania, Blair County and Altoona are located in the Pennsylvania Room on the balcony.  Most of these items are not government documents, but may be of interest or value to your search. This room is open for you to browse.

There are numerous Web sites available to help you in your search for government information.  There are also many government documents available electronically. The links at the top of this page will connect you to some that we have found to be especially helpful.

The Altoona Area Public Library participates in the Access Pennsylvania statewide database and the OCLC nationwide database.  If an item you are looking for is not found in the Altoona Library, we may be able to borrow it for you through interlibrary loan. Please ask at the Reference Desk.