The Library of Michigan today announced that Ann Marie Sanders, regional depository librarian at the Library of Michigan, has been selected as a member of the federal Depository Library Council.  The appointments of Sanders and four other new members were confirmed by Public Printer of the United States Bob Tapella.  Sanders' three-year term will run Oct. 1, 2009 through Sept. 30, 2012.  The U.S. Government Printing Office's announcement can be viewed at: http://www.gpo.gov/pdfs/news-media/press/09news27.pdf.

The Depository Library Council, composed of 15 members (each of whom serves a three-year term), advises the public printer on policy matters relating to the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).  The FDLP, which traces its roots to 1813, provides access across America to the published information of all three branches of the United States government through partnerships with more than 1,230 libraries ranging from public libraries to research universities.

The U.S. Government Printing Office's announcement of Sanders' appointment cited her leadership in the Library of Michigan's ongoing effort to digitally archive state documents, as well as in the Library's participation of the OCLC Digital Archive Pilot Project.

"Ann Sanders is an excellent example of an advocate for the FDLP, providing public access to government information, and serving as regional library coordinator.  She understands the needs of depository libraries in collections big and small," said Robin Haun-Mohamed, director of collection management and preservation at the U.S. Government Printing Office.  "In addition to her training sessions and annual meetings, she keeps the lines of communication open with the selective libraries in Michigan."

State Librarian Nancy Robertson praised Sanders as a committed champion for public access to government documents and as a key player in the discussions regarding cooperative actions for the regional depository libraries in the Great Lakes region.

"Ann has a passion for preserving, interpreting and making accessible the key government documents for our state," said Robertson.  "Her dedication to the job at hand cannot be overstated.  I have no doubt that the Depository Library Council will be positively influenced by Ann's contributions."

The Federal Depository Library Program has been responsible for collecting, organizing and preserving information by and about the U.S. government since 1813.  These collections, over 1,200 nationwide, can help individuals become citizens, start a business or patent an invention, learn a language, and know their history. 

Sanders, an employee of the state library for 14 years, currently serves as the Library of Michigan's head of government documents.  The Library of Michigan is the only regional depository library in Michigan.  As such, the Library of Michigan receives and permanently retains all tangible and electronic materials distributed by the U.S. States Government Printing Office. 

The Library of Michigan's collection includes maps and publications in print, microfiche and electronic formats.  As regional depository librarian, Sanders is responsible for both the Library of Michigan's collection and for providing statewide services to the 42 additional Michigan depository libraries that serve all citizens of the state who are seeking federal government information.

Her work and commitment have previously been recognized with industry accolades.  In 2003 Sanders earned the Jennie Award from the Government Documents Roundtable of Michigan.   Named for the award's first recipient, Jennie Cross, the Jennie is awarded only for outstanding service to the Michigan documents community.  In 2006, the Government Documents Roundtable of the American Library Association singled out Sanders for the Bernadine Abbott Hoduski Founders Award, an honor given to documents librarians who have made significant contributions to the field of state, international, local or federal documents.

Sanders earned a master's degree in library science in 1982 and a master's degree in geography in 1991, both from Western Michigan University.

The Library of Michigan promotes, advocates and consistently works to achieve the highest level of library service to the state of Michigan and its residents.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.