Laws, Policies & Guidelines

These pages provide information that describes the principal policies and other important notices that govern information posted on USGS Web sites. In these pages, you will find information (or links) related to:

• Information Quality Guidelines
  Guidelines ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information (including statistical information)

• Privacy Policy

• How to request information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Policy
  (Freedom of Information Act): Accessing and requesting copies of USGS records.

• Accessibility Policy

• Policy for linking to non-Federal sites
  Statements and disclaimers which apply to all Web-sites managed by the USGS, unless otherwise noted.

• Equal opportunity data required by the No Fear Act Policy

• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) Policy

• E-Government Act of 2002 Policy

• Laws and Regulations Governing USGS Activities
  Major statutes and corresponding regulations under which the USGS operates.

• Survey Manual
  Core chapters of USGS policies and procedures.

• Credits & Permissions:  Information on use of the USGS Identifier.