Both industry and the government gain from jointly producing and distributing consumer
booklets. For instance, when industry tries to get its message out, it reaches
a certain portion of the population. The same is true for the government. But when
they work together, the impact is greater than each working alone. The costs are
lower, the public perception is positive, and a broader variety of information reaches
consumers.
The benefits of cooperative publishing
include:
Combining business and government
views and experience on topics of mutual interest;
Building an educated
consumer/customer base;
Pooling staff time, expertise and
budgets;
Expanding distribution and recognition through
an increased number of media outlets, including
the Consumer Information Catalog and
award-winning websites, such as
pueblo.gsa.gov, kids.gov, USA.gov, and
http://www.usa.gov/gobiernousa/index.shtml;
Engaging in a positive partnership
with your federal/private sector counterpart;
Building consumer confidence in
your company, trade association or agency.
What Does The Federal Citizen Information Center
Have To Do With It?
The Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) of
the U.S. General Services Administration assists
Federal agencies in the development, promotion, and
distribution of helpful consumer publications. FCIC
has developed an innovative cooperative publishing
program that encourages the Federal government
and the private sector, including foundations, trade
associations, and individual companies, to collaborate
and create timely consumer publications. To
date, more than 200 publications have been produced
cooperatively for nationwide distribution by
FCIC. Current partners include American Express,
MetLife, Sprint, National Futures Association,
Prudential Insurance, American Council on
Education and the Toy Manufacturers of America.
FCIC seeks out cooperative opportunities by contributing
staff time and acting as matchmaker, project
coordinator, publicist, and distributor. FCIC
provides a number of services without charge. For
example, FCIC:
Assigns a specific FCIC liaison
officer to work on your project;
Identifies partners for
cooperative ventures;
Provides editorial and design
assistance;
Lists publications in approximately 2 million
copies of each edition of the free, quarterly Consumer Information Catalog;
Offers electronic access to
publications in PDF, HTML, and text formats on
pueblo.gsa.gov.
Markets publications through news releases
sent to approximately 10,000 newsletters, weekly
and daily newspapers, magazines, wire services,
and freelance writers;
Develops special promotions in magazines
such as Family Circle, Parade, Modern Maturity,
and U.S. News and World Report;
Takes publication orders through
our toll-free call center and provides other call center services as
needed;
Informs the public through
live-copy scripts sent to approximately 2,000 radio and television
stations;
Gauges reader satisfaction through
publication evaluation surveys and follow up reports;
Provides publication distribution
reports and press clippings about your publications; and
Assures that the Government
Printing Office (GPO) distribution facility in Pueblo, Colorado fills consumers
orders in an efficient and timely manner.
How Much Will It Cost?
There are generally two costs to
consider--publishing and distribution. The cooperative partners share these
costs depending upon their respective resources.
Development and printing costs vary
according to the size of the manuscript, weight of paper, number of colors
used, etc.
Distribution costs include the postage,
handling, and warehousing of publications through the GPO Pueblo facility. FCIC
takes a "no frills" approach to distribution to keep costs extremely
competitive while meeting or exceeding industry standards for service. FCIC has
been authorized by Congress to accept funds from the private sector to cover
distribution costs.
FCIC uses distribution funds to pay GPO and does
not keep any funds received from the private sector
or charge for any service it provides other than
publication distribution and specialized call center
services.
How Do I Know If My Booklet
Qualifies?
FCIC has established the following criteria for
cooperative publications in conjunction with
SOCAP International, the American Council on
Consumer Interests and the National Coalition for
Consumer Education. The publication must:
1. Receive the endorsement of the
appropriate federal agency;
2. Indicate clearly that it is a joint
government/industry effort;
3. Be an unbiased, objective presentation
with clear labeling of industry or government positions whenever
present;
4. Be free of advertising or promotional
messages;
5. Include permission for reproduction in
whole or part by educational and non-profit groups.
To learn more about cooperative publishing
guidelines, view FCIC’s publication,
Consumer Education and
Information: Guidelines for Business - Sponsored Materials online at
www.pueblo.gsa.gov/coop_gde.htm. (A
PDF version is also
available) Or call
(202) 501-1794 to request a printed copy.
How Do I Get Started?
If you have an idea for a cooperative
booklet or would just like to learn more, call Mary Levy, Director of
FCICs Publications and
Media Division, at (202) 501-1794 or by e-mail
at (mary.levy@gsa.gov).
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Updated January 2005 |