The Depository Libraries were created in order to make UN publications and documents distributed worldwide. Since 1946, the Dag Hammarskjöld Library (New York) has been responsible, through its depository libraries, for making all United Nations documents and publications available to all users. There are currently 367 depository libraries in 136 countries, which receive these materials. Under the condition that their collections will be maintained in good condition and will be open to the public at no cost.

Both countries that are members of the United Nations, as well as those that are not, can have a free depository collection, usually this condition falls to the National Library. In addition, if the national parliament library is open to the public, you can also receive the material at no cost. The rest of the libraries must cover an annual contribution to receive UN documentation.

Depository libraries pay an annual contribution to receive documents from the United Nations that is smaller for developing countries. The designation of depository libraries is carried out by the United Nations Publications Board, in agreement with the Chief Librarian of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library and taking into account the point of view of the Government concerned. Among other things, the degree of development of the requesting library and the general distribution of depository libraries around the world are evaluated.