About Government Information Service

The Government Information Service was established in 1962 with the goal of facilitating access to the Library’s wealth of national and international government publications. Located on the second floor of the McLennan Library Building and part of the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, the collection consists of material originating from a variety of governments and intergovernmental organizations. Many publications are also placed in other McGill branch libraries according to their subject matter. Increasingly, government information is becoming available in digital formats.

The multidisciplinary nature of the Government Information Service allows the provision of resources and services to a range of clients. Specialized services are available for anyone needing assistance with government information, whether they are from the McGill community, other educational institutions or the general public.

Layout

• Floorplans of the Government Information Service (2nd floor)

Collection description

The Government Information Service collection consists of the publications produced by governments, government agencies and intergovernmental organizations. We are a depository library for publications from Canada (in English and French), the United Nations, the European Union and the International Labour Organization. Emphasis is also placed upon documents from the Canadian Provinces (particularly Québec), Great Britain, the United States, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the IMF and the World Bank. The collection offers extensive research materials, in all formats, for both current and historical research.

All government publications received since 1988 appear in the Catalogue.

Some items received prior to 1988 are only listed in the Government Information Service's card catalogue. Materials located via the card catalogue are shelved alphabetically by country or organization.