Federal Depository Library

The USA Marx Library has been a member of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1968 and is one of 21 depository libraries in the state of Alabama. Our primary mission is to serve the needs of the faculty, students and staff at the University of South Alabama. We also serve the needs of the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District of Alabama, with emphasis on Mobile and Baldwin counties. This library is a congressionally-designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)

Marx Library University of South Alabama 5901 USA Drive North Mobile, AL 36688 Ph: (251) 460-7028webref@southalabama.edu

Government Documents

25th Anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attack on the United States

“Where were you, when the world stopped turnin’, that September day? …” [Opening lyrics from a song by Alan Jackson]

On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States in a series of four coordinated suicide events by the militant group al-Qaeda. Nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger airplanes: Two planes (American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175) hit the Twin Towers in New York City, causing both to collapse. A third plane (American Airlines Flight 77) struck the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. The fourth plane (United Airlines Flight 93) crashed in a field Near Shanksville, PA, after passengers and crew fought the hijackers, preventing it from hitting its intended target, believed to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House. A total of 2,977 victims died on September 11, not including the hijackers. Thousands more suffered injuries or developed chronic illnesses, such as cancers and respiratory diseases, from toxic dust exposure at Ground Zero

In solidarity, the next day the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) met in an emergency session and invoked, for the first time since the 1949 founding of the organization, Article 5 of their Charter, which stated that an attack against one shall be considered an attack against all. All 18 of the United States allies stated they would support America’s response to the attacks. The U.S. government responded by declaring a "war on terror," invading Afghanistan, and launching subsequent foreign conflicts. Sweeping domestic changes followed, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the passage of the USA PATRIOT Act.

In 2001, P.L. designated September 11 as "Patriot Day" to honor the individuals who lost their lives as a result of these terrorist attacks. The law asks the President to issue an annual Proclamation for Patriot Day that directs the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff and a moment of silence be observed. For further information see: PATRIOT DAY: FACT SHEET (CRS Report R44178).

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of this event, the Government Documents Department has a display available on 2nd Floor South of Marx Library, showcasing some of the materials available in our collection. There is also a companion 8-page bibliography that includes additional relevant web sites and online resources. A more extensive bibliography is also available.

Hurricane Season 2026

Hurricane season is upon us again! And while anyone from down South knows the full capabilities of these super storms, those new to the area might find this annual surge in severe weather a little daunting. Tropical cyclones are capable of damaging winds, high levels of rainfall, and widespread community damage; hurricane preparedness is essential for these very reasons. From building emergency kits to fortifying storm shelters, there’s a lot that can be done to prepare and persist through these super storms. Hurricanes have always greatly impacted the southeast region of the United States, but with growing concerns of intensified weather patterns, it is imperative now more than ever to be aware, be prepared, and to take action.

We invite you now to browse some of our department’s hurricane preparedness resources and informative display as we approach the most active months of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The display can be found at Marx Library on 2nd Floor South with additional handouts and a bibliography.

For even more information, check out our LibGuide—Gov Docs: Hurricane Preparedness.