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Request Your 2000 GPO Access Training or Demonstrations
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
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
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.
Making Your Request for GPO Access Training Classes and/or Demonstrations
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.
Priorities
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:
Chief, Library Division
Library Programs Service (SLL)
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, DC 20401
Phone: (202) 512-1119
Fax: (202) 512-1432
E-mail: smcgarr@gpo.gov
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
(Note: all times are approximate)