From jrussell@gpo.govTue Mar 26 17:12:10 1996 Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 23:02:12 -0600 From: "Judith C. Russell" Reply to: Discussion of Government Document Issues To: Multiple recipients of list GOVDOC-L Subject: FDLP Study: Draft Report Section 4: Mission & Goals DRAFT REPORT FOR THE STUDY TO IDENTIFY MEASURES NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO A MORE ELECTRONIC FEDERAL DEPOSITORY LIBRARY PROGRAM (FDLP) SECTION IV. Mission and Goals for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) GPO is now compiling the final report for the FDLP study. Included below is the draft of section IV. Other sections of the report will be released individually as soon as they are completed. [Attachments are omitted, but will be available with the final report.] Although time is short, your comments are welcome. You can send Internet e-mail to study@gpo.gov or send a fax to the attention of FDLP Study at 202-512-1262. Correspondence can be addressed to FDLP Study, Mail Stop SDE, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20401. ***************************************************************** IV. Mission and Goals for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) MISSION: The mission of the Federal Depository Library Program is to provide equitable, efficient, timely and dependable no-fee public access to Federal Government information products within the scope of the program [See Note 1 below for definitions]. The Government's transition to electronic dissemination requires changing the way the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) operates, redefining terms taken for granted in the print-on-paper publishing environment, finding ways to use new technologies both to sustain and increase the amount of information in the FDLP, and exploring new methods for the delivery of information in timely, useful formats. However, the underlying mission of the program remains unchanged -- to provide equitable, efficient, timely and dependable no-fee public access to Federal Government information products that fall within the scope of the program. Fulfilling this mission in the rapidly-changing world of electronic information requires the renewed and expanded cooperation of Federal publishers, the Government Printing Office, depository libraries, the National Archives and Records Administration and other organizations both public and private that are committed to the dissemination of, and public access to, Government information. The goals for an electronic FDLP reaffirm the traditional objectives of the program with a new emphasis that reflects the increasing amount of Government information in electronic form. GOAL 1: Ensure that the public has equitable, no-fee, local access to Government information through a centrally managed, statutorily authorized network of geographically-dispersed depository libraries. This includes ensuring that depository libraries provide public access workstations and the related services necessary to connect the public to remote Government information and sufficient to assure equitable access to Government information. GOAL 2: Use new information technologies to improve public access to Government information and expand the array of Federal information products and services made available through the FDLP. This includes (1) ensuring that Government information traditionally in the FDLP in print or microform remains available through the FDLP when converted to electronic form by publishing agencies; (2) converting appropriate Government print products to an electronic format when a suitable electronic format is not available from the publishing agency and conversion is a cost-effective means to disseminate the information to depository libraries; and (3) acquiring, or obtaining access for depository libraries to, electronic Government information products and services which have not been included in the FDLP in print or microform, but which can now be cost-effectively included as electronic products. GOAL 3: Provide Government information in formats appropriate to the needs of users and intended usage. This includes establishing a reasonable number of standard formats for electronic information disseminated through the FDLP which depository libraries are responsible for supporting. GOAL 4: Enable the public to locate Government information regardless of formats. This includes (1) participation in, and utilization of, the Government Information Locator Service (GILS) and (2) development of other locator services tailored specifically to the needs of the FDLP. GOAL 5: Ensure both timely, current public access and permanent, future public access to Government information at or through depository libraries. GOAL 6: Facilitate preservation of Government information through the National Archives and Records Administration. This includes the transfer to NARA of information disseminated to depository libraries by GPO or held by GPO for depository library access. GOAL 7: Ensure that the program is cost-effective for all parties involved, including Government publishing agencies, GPO, depository libraries, and the public. This includes a commitment to minimize costs to depository libraries as a result of changes in the FDLP, in order to encourage continued participation in the program and thereby assure broad public access to Government information. Note 1: For purposes of this report, Government information is defined as Government publications, or other Government information products, regardless of form or format, created or compiled by Government employees, or at Government expense, or as required by law. The scope of the FDLP is Government information products, except those determined by their issuing agency to be required for official use only or for strictly administrative or operational purposes which have no public interest or educational value and information classified for reasons of national security. [A full list definitions will be included as an attachment to the final report.] ***************************************************************** Individuals and organizations wishing to provide comments can send Internet e-mail to study@gpo.gov or send a fax to the attention of FDLP Study at 202-512-1262. Correspondence can be addressed to FDLP Study, Mail Stop SDE, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20401.