Government Publications: United States

​Prior to 1978, materials created by the President, and his staff, during the course of his duties (correspondence, memos, telephone logs, etc.) were considered his personal property. These materials may be in the Library of Congress, historical societies, academic archives, or in one of 13 presidential libraries. The Presidential Records Act of 1978 recognized Presidential records that "document the constitutional, statutory, and ceremonial duties of the President" as property of the United States Government. The materials are given to the Archivist of the United States when a president leaves office. The papers of Richard Nixon are governed by the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 and administered by the Nixon Presidential Materials Staff at the National Archives at College Park, MD.

Research Presidential Materials, prepared by the National Archives, provides an excellent overview of the types of presidential documents available.

The Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents  is the official publication of presidential statements, messages, remarks, and other other materials released by by the White House Press Secretary.  It replaced the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, which was published every Monday. 

The Public Papers of the Presidents are the official publication of presidential public writings, addresses, and remarks.  Prior to 1977, the Public Papers were edited volumes with complete coverage provided by the Weekly Compilation.  Beginning with Jimmy Carter, all public papers are included.  The text of executive orders and proclamations are included for 1977-1988.  Later years provide only references to location in the Federal Register.