Since 1946, the Dag Hammarskjold Library of the United Nations Secretariat in New York has arranged for the distribution of United Nations documents and publications to users around the world through its depository library system. At present, there are more than 400 depository libraries in over 140 countries maintaining United Nations material from the date of designation as depository to the present. The general public can consult the material free of charge at any depository library.

The United Nations Publications Board, on the advice of the Head Librarian of the Dag Hammarskjold Library and taking into account the views of the Government concerned, designates depository libraries.

Yes. All States and Non-Self-Governing Territories are entitled to one free depository library, normally the national library or a major research library located in the capital city. The national parliamentary library, if open to the public, is also entitled to receive material free of charge. Additional depository libraries, which will be required to pay an annual contribution, may be designated taking into consideration the expected use to be made of the deposit, the over-all geographical distribution of the depository libraries in the country concerned, etc.

Depositories are required to:

Place the material received in the care of qualified library staff;
Keep the material received in good order at their institutions;
Make the material received accessible to the general public, free of charge, at reasonable hours;
Make the material received available through interlibrary loan, photocopying or other means to users who cannot easily visit the depositories concerned;
Pay the annual contribution, if applicable, promptly;

In addition, each library is requested to organize activities on a regular basis to publicize its United Nations collection.

The United Nations inquires into the observance of the conditions of deposit by mandatory biennium questionnaires or by visits. The Publications Board reserves the right, when evidence is presented that the conditions of deposit are not satisfactorily met, to withdraw depository status.

Currently, depositories located in developing countries pay US$250 per year for regular deposit (former partial deposit) and US$500 per year for print plus deposit (former full deposit). Depositories located in developed countries pay US$1,000 per year for regular deposit (Official Records and printed publications) and US$1,750 per year for print plus deposit (printed Official Records and musthead documents, printed publications).

Yes. There are two main documents. One is the Principles Governing United Nations Depository Libraries, issued on 18 August 1995 and the other, Instructions for Depository Libraries Receiving United Nations Material, issued on 5 March 1995. All depositories are expected to be familiar with them.

Yes. The Dag Hammarskjold Library and the Library of the United Nations Office at Geneva periodically organize special training seminars for depository librarians. In addition, online assistance is available at Technical Assistance Programme for Small and Field Libraries and United Nations Documentation : Research Guide. Depository libraries also receive up-to-date information on United Nations activities and deposit-related matters via UN News Update and UN Deposit Info by e-mail. Other support, as needed, is provided by the Outreach Support Unit.

A depository library wishing to use the United Nations emblem/flag on entrance signs, brochures, websites or for an event is required to obtain advance permission from the United Nations. Requests should be sent to the Chief, Outreach Support Unit, Dag Hammarskjold Library .

An interested library must ensure that it will be able to comply with the conditions of deposit and meet the contribution requirement, if applicable, fully. Information on application can then be requested from the Chief, Outreach Support Unit, Dag Hammarskjold Library .