About the EPA National Library Network
Our Network
The EPA National Library Network is composed of libraries and repositories located in the Agency's offices, research centers and specialized laboratories, as well as web-based access to electronic collections. The combined network collections contain a wide range of general information on:
- environmental protection and management;
- basic sciences such as biology and chemistry;
- applied sciences such as engineering and toxicology;
- extensive coverage of topics featured in legislative mandates such as hazardous waste, drinking water, pollution prevention, and toxic substances.
Several libraries maintain collections focused on special topics to support specific Regional or program office projects. Library materials can be searched through the EPA National Library Catalog.
Our Future Directions
EPA is committed to supporting an effective physical and virtual library network that provides timely information access and library services. EPA is implementing the goals outlined in its National Library Network Strategic Plan throughout Fiscal Years 2015-2017.
The EPA National Library Network continues to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including a board of advisors from the Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) of the Library of Congress, professional library associations, the scientific community, academia and the public.
Network Projects
Strategic Plan - EPA published a strategic plan outlining a three-year course for its libraries with implementation goals in key areas (Fiscal Years 2015-2017).
Library Network Procedures - The EPA National Library Network policy and procedures represent baseline standards for services at all EPA libraries.
Core List for an Environmental Reference Collection - A listing of information resources in the areas of environmental protection, management and science as selected by librarians supporting the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Digitization Project – EPA's digitization plan aims to digitize all EPA publications and targets documents held by multiple libraries.
Library Needs Assessment - EPA conducted an agencywide information needs assessment in 2009 to better understand EPA's library information access requirements.