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

Tax Season is Upon Us

Tax Day (April 15th) is coming soon. If you should need assistance with finding information for preparing your taxes, check out our handy Lib Guide: Gov Docs: Tax Information & Resources.

April 22nd is Earth Day!

First designated in 1970, Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to address concerns surrounding the growing industrial pollution in America. Prior to 1970, a factory could spew black clouds of toxic smoke into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream, and it was perfectly legal. Consequently, Nelson sought to capitalize on student anti-war protests by organizing campus teach-ins to raise awareness on environmental issues as well. It was ultimately a successful endeavor, as these teach-ins and demonstrations forced the issue onto the national agenda. By December 1970, Congress had authorized the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

While environmental activism and policy making are essential parts of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, individual actions still greatly impact our environment as well. Therefore, many of the documents curated for our display aim to help individuals become more low-waste and sustainable in their personal lives. From at-home recycling to community clean-up efforts, there are plenty of easy ways to better invest in our planet.

We invite you now to browse some of our department’s resources and commemorative display as we celebrate Earth Day 2026! The display can be found at Marx Library on 2nd Floor South and has a companion pamphlet and 6-page bibliography for more information.

**NOTE: This display is in response to patron’s suggestion! Thank you to those who have submitted departmental feedback. Have a topic or questions of your own? Click here to help us help you.

War Powers Resolution: Who has the Power?

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a federal law intended to check the U.S. president's power to commit the armed forces to hostile actions without congressional approval. It was passed during the Vietnam War era to reinforce Congress’s constitutional authority over war-making. The purpose of the law was to ensure that the collective judgment of both Congress and the President is applied to the deployment of troops during hostilities. It requires that the President submit a report to Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces into hostile areas where imminent involvement is indicated. If Congress does not declare war or authorize the action, armed force must be withdrawn within 60 days.

In the latest attempt to stop a president’s attempt to go to war, the Iran War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res.38/ S.J.Res.104) was brought before both house of Congress at the beginning of March. It failed, with a House vote of 212-219 and a Senate vote of 47-53 against the resolution.

For more information on this topic, check-out our latest display in the Government Documents Dept., 2nd floor South of Marx Library. A 8-page bibliography, with many of the government resources available on the topic, is available for your convenience.