The South Carolina State Library is committed to collecting federal documents that directly support the needs and interests of our state. We prioritize materials from three key federal agencies—Agriculture, Defense, and Interior—due to their strong relevance to South Carolina’s environment, economy, and communities.
Below are selected tools, resources, and links to help you explore federal information from these agencies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports rural communities, protects natural resources, promotes food security, and conducts research across multiple fields. USDA is made up of 18 agencies, each with its own unique mission. Below are helpful links to USDA agencies, resources, statistics, education tools, and food & agriculture data.
| Resource | Description |
| USDA Homepage | Explore the official USDA website with agency updates, services, and initiatives. |
| USDA Organization Chart | View the full structure of the USDA and its 18 agencies. |
| askUSDA | Submit questions directly or browse FAQs. |
| Agency News Releases | Stay updated on recent developments from USDA agencies. |
| USDA Blog | Read featured posts on USDA initiatives, agriculture, and rural life. |
| Resource | Description |
| AGRICOLA | Catalog from the National Agricultural Library with citations for over 3.5 million items. |
| Census of Agriculture | Comprehensive statistics on U.S. farms and the people who operate them. |
| Disaster Resource Center | USDA tools for disaster recovery and resilience. |
| Farmers.gov | A hub for producers to find USDA tools, funding, and data. |
| Food Access Research Atlas | Interactive map showing food access by census tract. |
| FoodData Central | Database of nutrition information for foods, ingredients, and branded products. |
| Food Environment Atlas | Visualize data on food availability, prices, and assistance programs. |
| USDA Web Soil Survey | Soil data and mapping tools from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map | Determine planting zones based on your geographic location. |
| Resource | Description |
| Nutrition.gov | Federal gateway for dietary guidance and health resources. |
| MyPlate.gov | Learn healthy eating patterns using USDA’s five food groups. |
| Resource | Description |
| National Agricultural Library | A national resource for agriculture and related sciences. |
| PLANTS Database | Explore plant species data, images, and taxonomy. |
| USDA Agricultural Thesaurus & Glossary | Terminology used in agriculture and nutrition. |
| Grants and Loans | Information on USDA grants, loans, and cost-share programs. |
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages America’s natural and cultural resources. Through its bureaus and offices, DOI oversees national parks, wildlife refuges, public lands, and energy resources.
| Resource | Description |
| DOI Homepage | Visit the official website to explore agency missions, bureaus, and policy updates. |
| Bureaus & Offices | Learn about DOI’s structure, including its 11 bureaus and key offices. |
| History of the Interior Library | Overview of the Interior Library and its role within the Department. |
| National Timeline – BLM | Key historical events and milestones within the Bureau of Land Management. |
| Press Releases | Stay up to date with DOI news and announcements. |
| All Blog Posts | Read featured stories on conservation, cultural heritage, and DOI initiatives. |
| Resource | Description |
| National Park Service (NPS) | Explore national parks, historic sites, and preservation efforts across the U.S., including South Carolina locations. |
| Public Land Statistics | Data on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. |
| USGS Search: Maps & Mapping | Explore topographic and thematic maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey. |
| Search USGS.gov | Access geological data, publications, and scientific research from the U.S. Geological Survey. |
| Resource | Description |
| Interior Library | Research and access publications, legal materials, and DOI documents. |
| USGS Library Photographic Collection | Access historic and scientific photographic resources from the U.S. Geological Survey. |
The U.S. Department of Defense is the nation's largest federal agency, responsible for providing the military forces needed to deter war and ensure national security. Established from military roots dating back to before the American Revolution, the DoD has evolved alongside the country and now supports a global mission.
| Resource | Description |
| DoD Homepage | Visit the official DoD site for news, updates, and organizational information. |
| History of the Department of Defense | Explore the historical development of the Department since its creation. |
| News Stories | Browse current events, official statements, and defense-related news. |
| Experience - Quizzes | Learn about the DoD through interactive tools, trivia, and multimedia. |
| Resource | Description |
| Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) | Access military research, engineering data, and strategic documents. |
| Combatant Commands | Learn about geographic and functional commands responsible for U.S. military operations around the world. |
