Since 1913, Oklahoma state government agencies have been required by law to deposit copies of their publications with the Oklahoma State Library. In 1978, the Oklahoma Publications Clearinghouse was formally established within the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to coordinate the collection, preservation, and distribution of these materials.
The Clearinghouse supports compliance with state law by collecting, preserving, and providing public access to official state publications.
Oklahoma law expresses the Legislature’s intent that agencies issue publications in electronic format whenever possible and that the Clearinghouse ensure continued public access to those materials. 65 O.S. § 3-113.1
What is an Oklahoma Publication?
Under the Oklahoma Publications Clearinghouse Act (Title 65, Oklahoma Statutes), a “state publication” is defined as:
“…any informational materials which originate in or are produced with the imprint, by the authority, or at the total or partial expense of an agency supported wholly or in part by state funds and which are distributed to persons outside of the creating agency or are required by law.”
For purposes of this requirement, a “state agency” includes:
“…any office, officer, department, division, unit, bureau, board, commission, authority, institution, substate planning district, or agency in any branch of the state government, and all sub-divisions of each when applicable.”
For Publications Officers
Each state agency is responsible for submitting qualifying publications to the Oklahoma Publications Clearinghouse.
Agencies typically designate a Publications Officer to serve as the primary liaison with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Publications Officers are responsible for:
Identifying qualifying publications
Coordinating internal submissions
Ensuring materials are submitted in the appropriate format
Timely submission ensures publications are incorporated into the official record of Oklahoma state government and remain accessible to agencies, libraries, and the public.
If you need to submit a publication on behalf of your agency, visit the submission page below.
Accessing State Publications
Publications collected by the Oklahoma Publications Clearinghouse are available to the public through the State Documents Portal at documents.ok.gov.
The portal provides searchable online access to current and archived publications issued by Oklahoma state agencies. Users can search, view, and download official state government documents in digital format.
The Oklahoma Publications Clearinghouse manages the official repository of Oklahoma state government publications. It serves as the central point for receiving, organizing, and preserving materials issued by state agencies.
The collection ranges from one-page informational leaflets to maps and comprehensive reports. Since its formal establishment in 1978, the Clearinghouse has ensured long-term access for agencies, depository libraries, and the public.
Digitized materials are available through Documents.ok.gov. Physical items circulate to state employees and may be requested through interlibrary loan.
Collecting publications issued by state agencies and retaining permanent copies
Compiling and maintaining an official record of state publications
Preparing and publishing official lists of state publications
Established in 1978, the Clearinghouse initially relied on microfilming to preserve state publications and share them with depository libraries. As technology evolved, the program transitioned to digital preservation and online access.
Legislation passed in 2011 strengthened digital submission requirements, accelerating the shift to searchable electronic publications and forms. Today, the Clearinghouse serves as steward of Documents.ok.gov, providing centralized public access to state publications.
State publications play an important role in Oklahoma’s policy-making process. They are often the most current source of statistical data and frequently contain information not available elsewhere.
They promote government transparency and accountability by documenting agency actions, decisions, programs, and expenditures. They also preserve the official record of state government, ensuring that today’s work remains accessible for future generations.
State publications support researchers, policymakers, educators, businesses, and citizens by providing authoritative data, regulatory guidance, program information, and historical documentation. They provide consumer information to help individuals make informed product choices, educational resources to support planning and career decisions, regulatory information that impacts daily life and business operations, and recreational guidance to help Oklahomans plan their free time.
Questions?
Please contact Sam Johnson at 405-522-3189 or Samuel.Johnson@libraries.ok.gov.
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