Dear Depository Librarian,

I would like to let you know that the United Nations Publications Board has approved free access to the United Nations Official Document System (ODS) for depository libraries as part of the deposit under the following conditions: All libraries with FULL or FREE deposit may choose to substitute ODS access for hard copy distribution of their entitlements, to the extent that these materials are available on the ODS. (Contributing depository libraries with PARTIAL deposit wishing to make use of this option would first have to request a full deposit.) 

The ODS is accessible at http://www.ods.un.org/. Information about the contents can be found at http://www.ods.un.org/ods/GenInfo_E.htm. Since only masthead documents and official records are available on the system, sales publications would still be shipped in hard copy to all depository libraries. Official records for the main organs are accessible on the ODS but depository libraries may additionally choose to continue to receive hard copies.

Based on the feedback provided, a major concern of many depository libraries is access to electronic resources produced by the United Nations as part of their deposit. This reflects the desire to provide patrons with the most up-to-date information but indicates also that some libraries find it difficult to cope with the influx of documents in paper format. The ODS would allow libraries to obtain the most recent documents immediately and also to gain access to documentation not for deposit (e.g., the preliminary versions of Security Council meeting records, documents of regional commissions outside of their area or any document with limited distribution, e.g. draft resolutions).

If you wish to make use of this option, please contact: 

Coordinator, Depository Libraries
Dag Hammarskjöld Library
DN-2446, United Nations
New York, NY 10017
United States of America

Phone: +1 212 963 7444
Fax: +1 212 963 1779
E-mail: dhldl@un.org