From staf1lps@access.digex.netFri Dec 1 18:41:13 1995 Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 13:38:12 CST From: GPO/Library Program Service Staff 1 Reply to: Discussion of Government Document Issues To: Multiple recipients of list GOVDOC-L Subject: GPO Access Now Free ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Dear Federal Depository Librarians: We hope you noticed yesterday on GOVDOC-L the news release announcing that GPO Access is now available for free use. We are sending a letter to depository library directors with more information about this and also will provide you with the information in a shipment box. In the meantime, here are some of the details. We are pleased to advise you that effective December 1, 1995, use of the Government Printing Office electronic information services, GPO Access, became free of charge to all users. The GPO Access online service includes over 20 important Federal databases such as the Federal Register, Congressional Record, and Congressional bills and is growing steadily. Registration will no longer be required to use GPO Access. Depository libraries may now connect servers or any number of users to GPO Access, without restriction. Libraries which have previously registered to use GPO Access may continue to use their established user identification numbers, account numbers, or passwords, until December 31, 1995. There will be no restrictions on the number of simultaneous users. However, if you use the customized client software, for IBM or Macintosh, sold by GPO, please be sure to notify the GPO Access User Support Team if you plan on installing additional copies. This will enable GPO to pay the proper licensing fees. Each library may request up to 10 copies of the customized WAIS client software from the GPO Access User Support Team. Beginning December 1, anyone can connect to GPO Access by using one of several options. Each depository library will be provided in-depth assistance from the GPO Access User Support Team and will receive special information about new databases and developments. Based on our direction from Congress, we expect that nearly all of the information provided through the FDLP will be electronic by the end of fiscal year 1998. Library Programs Service (LPS) has advised libraries concerning minimum levels of computer hardware, software, and connectivity required to effectively support the depository operation, most recently in our Administrative Notes newsletter on January 15, 1995, as recommendations to the depository community. In light of the impending transition to electronics, and upon advice of the Depository Library Council to the Public Printer, these specifications will become requirements for participation in the FDLP on October 1, 1996. Every depository library should be taking steps now to ensure that it will be able to serve the public effectively in an electronic information environment. Minimum requirements may change as technology progresses. The Recommended Minimum Technical Guidelines for Federal Depository Libraries follow. It is our intent to regularly communicate information about GPO Access to all depository libraries via e-mail. With the letter you will be receiving a form asking for you to furnish us with your e-mail address. It is important that all depository libraries take the time to fill out this form because e-mail will become our primary method of communication with the depository community. We appreciate your ongoing support of the FDLP, and look forward to working with you as the Program evolves into the electronic future. If you have any further questions about GPO Access, please contact the GPO Access User Support Team.