RE: Distributing info locally & regionally

[Connie Nahhas <sosehas@aol.com>]

Sue - I don't mean to be discouraging, but I doubt the general public in many areas has a clue that there are even EPA document repositories out there.  I consider myself a fairly well-educated and involved community member here in Arkansas, but I am not sure if there is a repository in my community.  If there is, it has certainly not been well advertised to the public.  

I do agree that with today's hectic, fast-paced lifestyles many adults do not spend a lot of time at the library, unless they are pursuing specific information.  If they do go looking for environmental information, I agree with previously noted comments that there should always be two copies of documents at each repository-one for reference at the location and one copy that can be checked out. 

As to the technicality of the information, most educators compiling information for the public that want to be understood by the majority make a conscious effort to gear the language and presentation to a style easily grasped by those with an 8th or 9th grade education.  Granted that would likely be difficult to achieve, but if the information is to be really meaningful to all sectors it should be attempted.  Also, is information readily available in languages other than English?  

Thanks for the thought-provoking comments in your message, Connie