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The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) is pleased to announce that its first Public Access to Government Information Award will be presented to the Government Printing Office at the Association's 92nd Annual Meeting in Washington, DC in July. The award is being given to honor GPO Access, the electronic information service that provides access to over 1,000 databases. More than 97,000 titles are housed on GPO Access servers, and links are provided to over 46,000 titles from other Agency web sites. Several databases lack a print equivalent.

GPO Access was established by Public Law 103-40, the Government Printing Office Electronic Information Access Enhancement Act of 1993. It has undergone continual expansion and improvement since its creation to provide better service to the public. Early FY 1999 statistics indicate that GPO Access receives five million searches and ten to fifteen million document retrievals per month, while helping Congress, Federal agencies, and the courts to disseminate official information quickly, efficiently, and inexpensively. The convenience and timeliness of GPO Access have rapidly made it an invaluable public resource.

The new Public Access to Government Information Award was created at the request of AALL's Government Relations Committee to recognize persons or organizations that have made significant contributions to protect and promote greater public access to government information. A principal tenet of the Association is the right of equal access to information for all, to ensure an informed citizenry and to promote a just and democratic society. The award is designed to honor the achievements of those who have championed public access.

The American Association of Law Libraries was founded in 1906 to promote and enhance the value of law libraries to the legal and public communities, to foster the profession of librarianship, and to provide leadership in the field of legal information.

Librarian (Inspector)

SUMMARY OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent serves as a professional librarian using extensive knowledge of acceptable library practices, plans and conducts full scope on-site library inspections. Analyzes depository self-studies and performs follow-up functions. Identifies certain depository practices where significant cost savings to the Government and the depository can be realized. Analyzes evidence to discover inconsistencies and patterns, and to isolate illegal or wasteful practices. Title 44, United States Code and the Instructions to Depository Libraries. Conducts evaluative ratings dealing with the full scope of depository practices. Argues and defends, both orally and in writing, complex legal and professional standards for depository libraries. Prepares comprehensive reports which accurately reflect current conditions in the depository operation. Occasionally speaks before Documents Librarians. Represents the Superintendent of Documents and acts as a liaison between GPO and Federal depository libraries. Performs program planning and arranges continuing educational events such as Federal Depository Conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess A or B as follows: (A) Completion of all requirements for a master’s degree or 2 full academic years of graduate study in Library Science; or (B) Possession of professional or advanced experience or graduate study with one year of experience in librarianship or experience related to this position. In addition to A or B above, applicants must possess one additional year of experience; or, have completed all requirements for doctoral degree; or possess 3 full years of graduate education in Library Science. Additionally, applicants must possess one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS/PG-11 level in the Federal service.

Note: All non-status candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be referred to the Office of Personnel Management for certification. Status candidates who also which to compete through OPM must state so and provide an additional application.

SPECIAL NOTE: The position requires 25-30% travel. Selectees must be licensed to operate an automobile in that some libraries are not located near public transportation.

1. Knowledge of theories, principles and techniques of Librarianship
2. Knowledge of United States Code, title 44, Section 1900-1915 and the Instructions to Depository Libraries.
3. Knowledge of library administration.
4. Ability to argue and defend legal and professional standards for depository libraries.
5. Ability to accurately analyze and report on complex depository procedures.
6. Knowledge of current depository library practices.
7. Knowledge of public documents and related tools and indexes.
8. Knowledge of automated library applications and electronic information products.

Applicants must submit a copy of their latest annual performance rating and Optional Form 612, "Optional Application for Federal Employment," or (SF-171).

Applicants may submit an Optional Form 612, "Optional Application for Federal Employment" (or SF-171), or a resume. If a resume is submitted, it must contain all pertinent data in the OF-612.

Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their latest annual performance rating and SF-50 as proof of status or reinstatement eligibility.

Veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service may apply. Applicants eligible under the Veterans Readjustment Act (VRA) will also be considered, if this position is being announced at the grade PG-11 level and below. Veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty"; if claiming 10-point veterans' preference, submit a SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference," plus the proof required by that form.

Applicants seeking Excepted Appointments based on disabilities must provide certification from a State or District of Columbia rehabilitation counselor indicating that they meet the requirements for and are eligible for an Excepted Appointment based on a physical or mental disability.

Selectees must successfully pass a drug test before appointment.

GPO WILL NOT PAY RELOCATION COSTS.

Applicants must:

• include the vacancy announcement number and position title on their application.
• describe their duties and responsibilities in their own words; position descriptions may not be submitted.
• meet time-in-grade and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• submit a GPO Form 2566, "Report of Merit Promotion Action," if they wish to obtain a report on the status of their application.
• submit applications and required forms postmarked no later than the closing date of this announcement.

Selection Update Cycle 2000, which allows depository libraries to add item numbers to their selection profiles, ends on July 31, 1999. The new selections become effective on October 1, 1999, which is the start of fiscal year 2000 for GPO. Libraries should enter their amendments online on the "Amendment to Item Selections" Web site at <www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/amendment.html >.

The Library Programs Service (LPS) requests the help of the depository community in keeping directory information on each depository library up-to-date. The next semi-annual edition of the Federal Depository Library Directory will be distributed in September. The deadline for corrections is August 15.

Please review your entry from the FDLP Administration page at <www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/ldirect.html>. If corrections are needed, please use your internal password and key in only those changes on the Library Directory module.

In the May 15, 1999 issue of Administrative Notes, the Library Programs Service (LPS) proposed changing the Administrative Notes Technical Supplement from a printed product to an electronic-only product. This proposal is one response to a fall 1998 recommendation from the Depository Library Council to the Public Printer to continue the transition to a more electronic Federal Depository Library Program by discontinuing or consolidating "traditional" tangible products and services. LPS has received numerous comments and expressions of concern over this proposed change. Many of these comments concern the difficulties of producing a complete and satisfactory printed version of the Technical Supplement from the HTML pages on GPO Access <www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/techsup.html >

In light of these comments, LPS is investigating ways to improve the WEBTech Notes application < www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/webtech.html >. Until such changes can be accomplished, LPS is considering continuing the Technical Supplement in paper beyond the January 2000 date. Alternatively, after evaluating the e-mail comments sent in response to this proposal, the Administrative Notes Technical Supplement paper product may be modified.

The Government Printing Office (GPO) provides a variety of GPO Access support services to Federal depository libraries. GPO Access support includes the GPO Access User Support Team, print and online documentation such as user guides and training booklets, and GPO Access training classes and demonstrations.

While both demonstrations and training classes provide valuable information relating to the GPO Access services, their purpose, design and technological requirements are very different. As a result, you should consider each characteristic before deciding which support service or combination of services would be most beneficial to the intended audience.

Generally, attendees at GPO Access training sessions should be depository librarians and any staff members of depository libraries who assist users with access to Federal Government information or conduct research. However, demonstrations may be more appropriate for general audiences.

GPO Access training classes involve hands-on use of GPO Access by participants at individual computer workstations. The hands-on training provides an in-depth review of all facets of the GPO Access services, including GPO Access components, interfaces, methods of access, general searching strategies, Web interfaces, etc. Because of the large amount of information presented, a full-day class is recommended. (A full day class is approximately eight hours; six hours of actual hands-on training and two hours for breaks and lunch, however, adjustments can be made based on your individual needs.) In fact, over 80% of depository librarians who attended a four-hour class said they would rather have attended a full-day class. Appendix A contains the GPO Access Training Overview, detailing the information covered during a full-day session.

The hands-on and practical experience the training session provides will allow you to take full advantage of GPO Access services. The knowledge that you gain will prove invaluable, whether you are training another librarian, assisting a patron or conducting research. A checklist of the technological requirements for all GPO Access training classes starts on page 10.

GPO Access demonstrations do not provide for hands-on experience and as a result can cater to larger audiences than a training class. In a demonstration, the audience views the presentation on a screen or projection monitor. As a result, the technological guidelines for a demonstration are not as rigorous because only one terminal and a projection screen or large monitor are required.

The main purpose of a demonstration is to show the basic GPO Access features and functions. Demonstrations are usually two hours in duration, consisting of 90 minutes of lecture and a 30-minute question and answer period.

Due to the large number of requests for GPO Access Training/Demonstrations, the Library Programs Service (LPS) and the Office of Electronic Information Dissemination Services (EIDS) have developed a checklist you should use when submitting your requests. Please fill out the checklist in its entirety. We will utilize these checklists when reviewing your request, when responding to your training requests and prioritizing the allocation of our resources.

Priority consideration will be given to:

• training, rather than demonstrations,
• groups of depository librarians,
• large audiences,
• events which may be combined with other official travel or appearances,
• events in states where GPO has not recently appeared.

For example, conducting GPO Access training in proximity to national or state library association conventions allows us to maximize the use of our travel funds and training personnel.

Direct requests for GPO Access training or demonstrations to:

In order to facilitate LPS and EIDS planning for 2000, LPS should receive your requests by January 1, 2000. If you are unable to meet the January 1, 2000 deadline for training requests you may still request training; however, requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Whenever possible, requests for GPO Access training or demonstrations should be received at GPO at least three months in advance of the planned event date.

GPO will respond to all requests upon final approval of our fiscal year training budget.

GPO will work with local event planners to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made as far in advance as possible. As a general rule, acceptance of travel expenses from an organization that is substantially affected by GPO policies and actions is a violation of GPO regulations, and is therefore not permitted.

GPO Access Training Session Overview

Please note:

Although GPO will make every effort to honor our GPO Access training or demonstration commitments, changing circumstances may require cancellation at the convenience of the U.S. Government.

Curriculum Checklist

Note: If your available time and resources do not allow for the full-day class (as outlined above), it will be necessary to remove sufficient topics and independent practice time to fit the class within the available schedule. We will assist you in this elimination process, but would prefer that you make the final decision on what will be left out of the classes at your site. If there are any additional GPO Access topics that you would like to have added to the class, the same elimination procedure will be necessary in order to fit within the allotted class time.

If you are requesting less than a full-day class, please check off the GPO Access topics you would like to be covered:

Databases: Additional Web Applications:

History of Bills ___

MoCat ___

Pathways ___

Privacy Acts ___

Public Laws ___

Sales Info. From SuDocs ___

U.S. Code ___

Other GPO Access topics/databases you wish to be covered:

(Please submit this completed form along with your request)

All workstations in one continuous, self-contained training area, preferably a computer lab. The maximum number of people per workstation is two, with no more than 30 students per training session.

1. Date(s) and time(s) requested

___________________ ___________________ ___________________

___________________ ___________________ ___________________

2. Training Site Location (Full Address):

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

3. Number of workstations at your facility: __________

4. Type of platform: MAC _____ IBM Compatible _____

4a. If IBM compatible what type of operating system?

5. Do you have projection equipment (i.e. overhead projector/LCD unit)?

6. Is an instructor's workstation available? Yes ___ No ___

7. Approximate number of individuals expected to attend training sessions:

8. Will instructor have lab access one day prior to training? Yes ___ No ___

It is mandatory that each of the technical requirements listed below are met.

Yes ___ No ___

It is imperative the contact person(s) be accessible during every event. In addition, the contact person(s) must be available the day before the event to meet with GPO personnel to visit all facilities and prepare for the following day.

Training Facility Coordinator Contact

Name: _________________________

E-mail: _________________________

Phone: _________________________

Technical Contact Person: (if same as above do not complete.)

Name: _________________________

E-mail: _________________________

Phone: _________________________

*In addition to completing this form, if your request is accepted you will be expected to complete and sign a GPO Access Training Agreement Form prior to the session.

These handouts cover recent activities in GPO’s Library Programs Service (LPS), the office that administers the Federal Depository Library Program. Questions about LPS activities or products may be directed to <askLPS@gpo.gov>.

Several activities are underway to ensure that LPS’ computer systems and applications are Year 2000 (Y2K) compliant. GPO’s Office of Information Resources Management has completed Y2K remediation and testing on our mission-critical mainframe legacy systems: ACSIS (Acquisitions, Classification, and Shipment Information System), DDIS (Depository Distribution Information System), and MOCAT/SAMANTHA (Monthly Catalog publishing system). The ADDS (Automated Depository Distribution System, formerly known as the Lighted Bin System) uses proprietary hardware and software supplied by the system vendor, Engineered Systems of Omaha, Nebraska. LPS has recently obtained the necessary approvals to upgrade ADDS to meet Y2K requirements and to replace obsolete hardware. We expect these upgrades to be completed well before "zero day" on 1/1/2000. In addition, all LPS local applications and computers have been tested for Y2K compliance and necessary remediation or replacement is underway.

GPO, together with other Federal agencies, is also developing business continuity and contingency plans (BCCP) as required by the General Accounting Office. Each of the BCCPs addresses activities within one of GPO’s agency mission or core business areas. LPS’ activities fall within GPO’s information dissemination mission area. We have developed BCCPs for LPS’ major functional activities to enable us to carry on even if confronted with Y2K problems or other emergencies.

Additional information about GPO’s Y2K preparations may be found at <www.access.gpo.gov/y2kdiscl.html >.

Sheila McGarr was appointed Chief of the Library Division, effective June 7, 1999. Her new duties include managing the Depository Administration Branch, the Cataloging Branch, and the Depository Services Staff. For the time being she will continue to supervise the depository library inspectors and organize the annual Federal Depository Conference and the Interagency Depository Seminar.

In December 1981, Sheila began her career at GPO as a depository library inspector. From 1987-1992, she served as Chief of the Depository Administration Branch. Since September 1992, she has been Chief of the Depository Services Staff. Prior to joining GPO, Sheila was employed in the library at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and before that worked at the North Shore Community College in Beverly, Massachusetts. She received her M.S.L.S. from The Catholic University of America and her B.A. from Merrimack College.

The Cataloging Branch is currently preparing a requirements analysis for procuring an integrated library system (ILS). Cataloging applications will be a major component of the ILS, although the system will ultimately have applications throughout the Library Programs Service (LPS).

The National Library of Medicine and the Library of Congress have shared with LPS relevant information regarding their recent acquisitions of ILS software. While keeping in mind that ILS funding is not assured, we are working towards obtaining an ILS that should, among many other benefits, enable us to effectively maintain the Web edition of the Catalog and thereby create a national online public access catalog for U.S. Government publications.

As a member of the Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC), LPS contributes to FLICC-sponsored efforts to investigate the potential that OCLC’s CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Cataloging) project may have for providing access to works published via the Internet. CORC is a research project to investigate the feasibility of producing brief bibliographic records to provide access to Internet related titles. To date, OCLC has extracted data from several thousand GPO-produced OCLC records to "seed" the CORC database. We understand that OCLC intends to extract data from additional GPO-produced records in the near future and that consideration is being given to routinely adding GPO records to the CORC database on a regular basis. We look forward to continued involvement with CORC, especially as it may assist us in identifying opportunities to improve the scope or timeliness of our cataloging and locator services.

The transition to a more electronic Federal Depository Library Program has produced a complex assortment of interrelated works in all media. During the first seven months of Fiscal Year 1999, approximately 20,000 works in various media were received for cataloging. Approximately 21,000 have been processed, leaving a balance of approximately 8,900, mostly serials.

This serials backlog is being addressed in three ways. First, through daily efforts to reduce the backlog as we continue to process incoming work as soon as possible. Second, through efforts to recruit a serials cataloger. And third, through developing requirements for a commercial contract for cataloging serials in microfiche.

Most works in paper and CD-ROM and those available via the Internet are cataloged within one or two weeks of receipt. Our use of an electronic team approach has hastened the cataloging of most works listed in Browse Electronic Titles (BET). Approximately 50% of these titles have been cataloged as of the day they appear on the BET list. A cataloging backlog of approximately 300 BET entries has recently been reduced to approximately 160 entries. Most of the backlog in BET and microfiche consists of serials.

We will make a selection for a serials cataloger as soon as possible after the Office of Personnel Management has certified the applications.

Users of the Web edition of the Catalog now have a "user-friendly" display option that includes selected data elements that are clearly labeled as to content. The full-record, numeric MARC-tagged display remains available as an option. The search screen has been improved, and documentation associated with the application has been much improved.

The Web edition of the Catalog consists of approximately 121,000 records. Approximately 8,900 of these records contain PURLs and/or URLs. Approximately 2,900 Monthly Catalog records contain PURLs. Approximately 6,000 additional older Monthly Catalog records contain URLs. As broken links in records with URLs are re-established, these works are made accessible via PURLs.

The complete CD-ROM edition of the Monthly Catalog, which consists of two CDs, contains approximately 60,000 records. The combined 1996 and 1997 CD-ROM (with their respective Periodicals Supplements) should be retained for the near future. We expect that the March and April editions will be issued soon. Delays in data processing support account for late distribution of monthly issues.

On recommendation of the Depository Library Council, production of availability records will cease as of October 4, 1999. The Periodicals Supplement, published in January 2000, will not be affected by this change. The supplement produced for January 2001 will include all serials, regardless of frequency.

Selection Update Cycle 2000 began June 1, 1999. Libraries are responsible for entering their own amendments to selections using the Web site "Amendment to Item Selections" on the FDLP Administration page at <www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/amendment.html >. Instructions for the Selection Update Cycle are located at: <www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/updatein.html >.

The Update Cycle is open from June 1 through July 31, 1999. On October 1, 1999, the new additions to selection profiles become effective. Drops will be recorded and activated as soon as they are entered. You will need your depository library number and INTERNAL PASSWORD to submit your additions or deletions.

If your library does not have Web access, please contact: Joe Paskoski, e-mail: <jpaskoski@gpo.gov>, fax: (202) 512-0877; phone: (202) 512-1698 or Yvonne Washington, e-mail: <ywashington@gpo.gov>, fax: (202) 512-0877; phone: (202) 512-1131.

Depository libraries may access some fee-based online services at no charge to the library through the Federal Depository Library Program. Each service requires a log-in procedure. If you are unsure of the password for your library to access these databases, please contact DAB staff for assistance in obtaining your user ID and password. Please remember to protect all user ID and passwords. They may not be given out to faculty, patrons, or students.

LPS receives many inquiries for information on fugitive publications. The estimated time to research, request, acquire, and process fugitive publications averages over 2.5 hours per document. On the average, DAB receives 24 requests per month for true fugitive documents, those not ordered or printed through GPO. LPS also receives many additional requests for missing issues and updates for serial titles.

Recently, staff from LPS worked with auditors from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) audit to review access of NIH printed products for dissemination to GPO for purposes of distribution to the depository libraries and inclusion in the Cataloging & Indexing program. The report, issued in March by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, found that of the 100 random FY97 printing jobs chosen for the audit, 38 items were not subject to distribution to the libraries (internal use only such as letterhead stationery, signs, and administrative forms). Of the 62 remaining print jobs, 46 publications were identified in the audit as requiring copies for distribution to the depository libraries. NIH provided sufficient copies to GPO in only 10 instances.

According to the report, because NIH did not provide copies of publications to GPO for FDLP distribution, depository libraries and the people who use them did not have ready access to documents to which they are entitled; nor were those products listed in the Monthly Catalog. Since this audit, LPS has seen a significant increase in notification and cooperation in obtaining NIH publications for distribution to the libraries and for inclusion in the Cataloging & Indexing Program.

The fall Depository Library Council meeting will be held from Monday, October 18 through Thursday morning, October 21, 1999. The Radisson Suite Hotel, 106 West 12^th Street, in downtown Kansas City, MO, is the site. The preliminary agenda and registration form will appear in the August 15, 1999 issue of Administrative Notes.

The spring 2000 Depository Library Council meeting will be held in Rhode Island from April 10-12. The DoubleTree Islander Hotel, Goat Island, in Newport, RI has been awarded the contract. The preliminary agenda and registration form will appear in the January 15, 2000 issue of Administrative Notes.

The 9^th annual Federal Depository Conference and fall Depository Library Council to the Public Printer meeting will be held from Monday, October 23 through Wednesday afternoon October 25, 2000 and the Regional Librarians meeting will be held on Sunday, October 22. The Holiday Inn-Rosslyn Westpark, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA, is the conference hotel.

The 13^th annual Interagency Depository Seminar will be held from May 31-June 7, 2000 at the U.S. Government Printing Office. The preliminary agenda and registration form will appear in the October 15, 1999 issue of Administrative Notes.

The FDLP Guidelines on Substituting Electronic for Tangible Versions of Depository Publications was published in the May 15, 1999 issue of Administrative Notes. With the regional library’s permission, a selective depository is permitted to replace tangible versions with electronic equivalents provided the electronic version is complete, official, and permanently accessible. GPO Access databases on the List of Official GPO Databases That May Be Substituted for Tangible FDLP Products < www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/ad051599.html > meet these requirements.

The July 15, 1999 issue of Administrative Notes will contain information on how depository libraries can request training or a demonstration to show basic or advanced features and functions of GPO Access in 2000.

The Self-Study Review Committee, which is a group of volunteers from the Depository Library Council, regional librarians, selectives, a selective housing site, and Depository Services Staff, has nearly completed its work. The revised Self-Study of a Federal Depository Library will be available in summer 1999.

In October 1999, depository librarians and their directors whose depository operations were last inspected in 1994 will be notified to submit a mandatory self-study. The states include Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The due date for these self-studies will be January 15, 2000. These depository librarians will use the new Self-Study template.

The draft 1999 Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries appeared in the May 15, 1999 issue of Administrative Notes <w www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/ad051599.html >. The deadline for the depository library community to comment on the survey questions is July 15, 1999. Please send e-mail messages to Sheila McGarr at <smcgarr@gpo.gov >. The survey will be conducted during October and November 1999.

The 1999 update of the Recommended Specifications for Public Access Work Stations in Federal Depository Libraries appeared in the June 15, 1999 Administrative Notes at <www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/ad061599.html >.

The August 1999 edition of the Federal Depository Library Directory will be printed and distributed to all depositories in September. Each depository library can assure the accuracy of its entry by reviewing and updating the information in the Library Directory module on the FDLP Administration page at <www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/ldirect.html >.

As of June 15, 1999, there are 1,351 Federal depository libraries of which 53 are regionals and 1,298 selectives.

When the first visiting "expert consultants" came to the Library Programs Service (LPS) in 1996, ETS focused on developing initial electronic services for the FDLP. Early projects included Locator Services, such as the Pathway Indexer and building Web page capability within LPS. Later ETS efforts emphasized establishing the content and service partnerships and articulating the concepts behind Managing the FDLP Electronic Collection: A Policy and Planning Document (the "Collection Plan"), published in 1998. Recently, ETS’ focus has been on fostering partnerships, such as the NTIS pilot project, the Department of Energy Information Bridge, and DOSFAN (the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network). Currently much of ETS’ time is devoted to efforts to implement the plans for the FDLP Electronic Collection (FDLP/EC), outreach to Federal agencies and libraries, and developing the infrastructure and relationships that will provide permanent public access to FDLP electronic information.

Personnel changes in ETS parallel this functional evolution. Laurie B. Hall, as Supervisory Program Analyst, supervises the program analysts and Office Automation Specialist within LPS and the ETS, as there is a substantial congruence in their interests and responsibilities. Currently the expert consultants are George Barnum, who will finish his term in July and Judy Andrews, who has been asked to stay on for a second year. Steven Kerchoff will join the ETS effective October 1, 1999. Kerchoff, a Federal librarian from the Library of Congress’ Federal Library and Information Center (FLICC), will use his extensive knowledge of Federal libraries and information resources to assist in increasing awareness about GPO’s Electronic Collection activities and in developing additional partnership opportunities with agencies.

One of the action items in the Collection Plan is establishing an Electronic Collection Manager (ECM) position in LPS. This new librarian position was advertised nationally and a selection is expected later this year. Once on board, the ECM will establish, review, maintain and modify comprehensive plans to assure permanent public access to products in the FDLP/EC.

Recognizing that an electronic archive is a critical component of the life cycle of an electronic resource, LPS has been capturing HTML and PDF files of products announced in the Browse Electronic Titles (BET) service for some months. In support of this effort, at its spring 1999 meeting, the Depository Library Council to the Public Printer (DLC) recommended that GPO develop a prototype archive. Though these test files are not yet publicly accessible, LPS has obtained a commitment from GPO’s Production Department to aid in the development of a functional prototype archive.

GPO’s goal is to provide permanent public access to the electronic Government information products disseminated via GPO Access or otherwise included in the FDLP/EC. One path to meeting this commitment is for GPO or one of our partner institutions to have day-to-day management of the electronic resources, and take the necessary administrative and technical steps to keep them accessible, while maintaining their authentic and official status. GPO already meets this commitment for the products on GPO Access, but the electronic products to which we point and link, by definition considered part of the FDLP/EC, must be fully included under the umbrella of permanent public access.

Since the publication of Managing the FDLP Electronic Collection last year, LPS has worked to identify and implement the steps that will bring the Plan's provisions into practice. A cross-organizational work group from Depository Administration and Cataloging Branches, Electronic Information Dissemination Services and the ETS has been working to define the possibilities, identify the issues and develop strategies for dealing with the issues. The work group was successful in this endeavor and has been re-configured into an ongoing "Electronic Collection Team," which is examining and evaluating electronic products for inclusion in the Electronic Collection. While looking at these products the team continues to develop the processing procedures necessary to fully incorporate electronic resources into the FDLP.

The NTIS/GPO Pilot Project, through which 22 depository libraries have access to a NTIS database of approximately 35,000 image documents, went live on January 18, 1999. The pilot is scheduled to run for a year. As of mid-March the search site was averaging 100 visits per week. As the libraries explore the site's potential they are making excellent suggestions for its improvement. ETS has been individually contacting participating libraries to gain more detailed insights into user behaviors and expectations.

Gil Baldwin and George Barnum represent GPO on a Steering Committee organized by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agriculture Library that will implement the Framework for the Preservation of and Permanent Public Access to USDA Digital Publications. The "Framework" was developed following a 1997 conference for which GPO was one of the co-sponsors. The Steering Committee meets quarterly to address the issues of inventory and life cycle management of USDA digital publications, technical requirements, and user access and retrieval. George Barnum is chairing the Committee's working group on user access and retrieval, which is beginning work on draft preservation guidelines for digital publishing for USDA agencies.