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Government Documents

This guide covers the basics of finding and using government documents and provides links to various governmental and public resources.

Welcome to the Government Documents LibGuide!

This Library Guide is designed to help you find Canadian and Provincial Government Information in the BU Library collection and online.

If you need materials from other jurisdictions, we may also be able help you locate them.

For help, ask at the Circulation Desk in the Main Library or the Music Library to be directed to a staff member who can help you.  In addition, feel free to make an appointment - see my profile box on the left. Click on "Make a Research Appointment", give me a call at 204-727-9645, or email me at ramagem@brandonu.ca.

Things to know about Government Documents

  • Governments publish a lot of information on a wide variety of topics. Government documents (Gov Docs) are not considered academic sources, however they are credible sources of information about government programs and services, laws and regulations. 
  • It makes a difference which Government published the document you want! For example, if you want a specific law, it is useful to know if it is a federal, provincial municipal law. Here's a link to information about government in Canada: 
  • Most Gov Docs are available online (except older items if they haven't been digitized) It is sometimes tricky to find them though.  Reach out for help if you're having trouble finding something! 
  • There are databases which index fulltext online Gov Docs. These will make it easier to identify online Gov Docs.
  • There are Canadian Statistics in places other than the Census.
  • Looking for Canadian Censuses? Chances are, you are looking at a year ending in a 1 (2011, 2001, 1991, and so on) or a 6 (2006, 1996, 1986, and so on). 
  • A search on the BU Library Catalogue/One Stop Search will return Gov Docs (in various formats: print, videos, ebooks, streaming videos, and so on) along with all other results that match your search. They may be shelved in areas throughout the Library, including Main, Music, Reference, Oversize, and Reserve. 
  • Not all Gov Docs in the BU Library are found on the BU Library Catalogue (statutes (laws) and their regulations, for example). Please ask if you cannot find what you want.