Provision Of Federal Government Publications In Electronic Format To Depository Libraries

The Government Printing Office (GPO) is the principal agent for federal printing. Specifically, all printing for the three branches of government with a few exceptions is required to be done by GPO. GPO also disseminates and sells government publications through programs managed by the Superintendent of Documents. The Superintendent disseminates government publications to the public through the depository library program and sells publications online, through 23 bookstores, and by mail order. Until recently, the dissemination and sales programs dealt mostly in paper, microfiche, or CD-ROM formats. However, advances in electronic publishing technologies and the availability of government publications on the World Wide Web are affecting paper-based dissemination and sales and are raising questions about the direction and future of the Federal Depository Library Program. The conference report 1 for the legislative branch appropriations for 2001 required that we submit to you, by March 30, 2001, a study on electronic dissemination of government information. Specifically, we were required to.

The United States must make better use of its scientific and technical information (STI) resources, if it wishes to be competitive in world markets and maintain its leadership. STI is an essential ingredient of the innovation process from education and research to product development and manufacturing. It is a major product of the $65 billion per year the U.S. Government spends on research and development (R & D); researchers need ready access to STI if they are to stay at the cutting edge. Many issues of our time-health, energy, transportation, and climate change-require STI to understand the nature and complexities of the problem and to identify and assess possible solutions. STI is important not only to scientists and engineers but to political, business, and other leaders who must make decisions related to science and technology, and to the citizens who must live with the consequences of these decisions.

This report summarizes a study conducted by the Office of Technology Assessment which addressed the opportunities offered by technological advances to improve the dissemination of federal information essential to public understanding of many issues facing Congress and the Nation. Two major problems are highlighted: maintaining equity in public access to federal information in electronic formats, and defining the respective roles of federal agencies and the private sector in the electronic dissemination process. The report focuses on current and future roles of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) and the Superintendent of Documents, the Depository Library Program--administered by the GPO--and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). In addition, the report suggests technical/management improvements and statutory/oversight changes, and examines opportunities for the electronic dissemination of congressional information. A list of related reports and general information on the Office of Technology Assessment are attached. (Information formats considered include paper, microfiche, computer tapes and diskettes, compact disks, and online databases.) (CGD)