A subject index, "compiled in compliance with the provisions of a joint resolution approved March 3, 1897, which directs the preparation of an index to all publications of the government from 1881, the date at which the Descriptive catalogue of government publications by Ben: Perley Poore terminates, to 1893, the date at which the index by the superintendent of documents begins, said index to conform in its general plan to ... [Ames'] Comprehensive index of government publications from 1889 to 1893, ' published in 1894."

This up-to-date guide provides informational professionals and their clients with much-needed assistance in navigating the immense field of government information. When information professionals are asked questions involving government information, they often experience that "deer in the headlights" feeling. Mastering United States Government Information helps them overcome any trepidation about finding and using government documents. Written by Christopher C. Brown, coordinator of government documents at the University of Denver, this approachable book provides an introduction to all major areas of U.S. government information. It references resources in all formats, including print and online. Examples are provided so users will feel comfortable solving government information questions on their own, while exercises at the end of chapters enable users to practice answering questions for themselves. Additionally, several appendixes serve as quick reference sources for such topics as congressional sessions, the most popular government publications, federal statistical databases, and citation of government publications. It serves as a practical and current guide for practitioners as well as a text or supplementary reading for students of library information studies and for in-service trainings.