Federal Regulations
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About Federal Regulations
"The Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) annual edition is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. The 50 subject matter titles contain one or more individual volumes, which are updated once each calendar year, on a staggered basis."
"The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents."
Getting Started
- Regulations.gov: Learn About the Regulatory Process
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"Rulemaking is the policy-making process for Executive and Independent agencies of the Federal government. Agencies use this process to develop and issue Rules (also referred to as “regulations”). The process is governed by laws including but not limited to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Congressional Review Act, Paperwork Reduction Act, Regulatory Flexibility Act and can lead to a new Rule, an amendment to an existing Rule, or the repeal of an existing Rule. Executive Orders . . . also establish principles and guidance for the rulemaking process."
A Guide to Federal Agency Rulemaking by 
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Call Number: KF5411 .L83 2018 (Circulation/Reserve Desk, 1st Floor)Publication Date: 2018 (6th ed.)
Legislation and Regulation in a Nutshell by - This link opens in a new window
Call Number: KF4945 .H84 2017 (Circulation/Reserve Desk, 1st Floor)Publication Date: 2017
Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law and Make Policy by - This link opens in a new window
Call Number: KF5411 .K47 2019 (Stack Level 3)Publication Date: 2019 (5th ed.)
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration: The Federal Register Tutorial: What it Is and How to Use It
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Tutorial can be read online or downloaded in PDF. - Office of the Federal Register: Reader Aids
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Includes the following topics: Using FederalRegister.Gov, Understanding the Federal Register, Congressional Review, and Videos & Tutorials.
Regulations Map ("The Reg Map")
- The Reg Map: Flow ChartThe "Reg Map is a primer on the federal government agency 'informal' rulemaking process. The Reg Map reflects general requirements that apply to most federal agency rulemakings."
- The Reg Map: GuideA guide to the federal government agency "informal" rulemaking process.
Search Terms
Useful search terms when searching within research databases and library catalogs for information concerning federal regulatory resources include:
- Regulations
- Rules
- Proposed rule
- Final rule
- Code of Federal Regulations
- Federal Register
- Notice-and-comment rulemaking
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
- Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)
- Administrative law
- Administrative regulations
- Regulatory
Search the Library Catalog (JACOB) by Subject Headings:
How to Research Federal Regulatory Materials
View Locating Federal Regulations (PDF) for more research strategies and information about federal regulations.
