RE: Print vs. Electronic and making electronic more accessible
Archived: Wed, 20 Sep 12:35
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 09:46:06 -0400 (EDT)
From: cindi wolff <cwolff@lsu.edu>
Subject: RE: Print vs. Electronic and making electronic more accessible
Distribution of EPA [and all government publications] in a tangible format is essential. Unfortunately, the policy makers for funding of public access to tax payer provided information consider an "electronic only" distribution to libraries to be faster [and yes! it is -- no more waiting 6 months for a copy of that EPA or GAO report that was in newspaper this morning]and cost effective. Instead, the cost burden shifts to the libraries and the end users who will print it out.
Historically and currently, the EPA has provided information on demand [i.e., print copies] of reports. During the 1980's, some one "up there" decided they did not need to distribute EPA publications via the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)-- if people need our reports, we'll send them a copy. That was assuming that joe citizen knew who to call. Due to lobbying efforts of members of ALA's Government Document Roundtable, EPA publications continue to play a viable part of the FDLP.
The transition to electronic only has been accelerated by the Government Printing Office by mandate from the US Congress [i.e., budget cuts]. The concern of government information providers is not only finding it in the maze -- but for long term access. In many ways, we are reverting back to the 19th Century prior to the centralized depository library program [GPO created in 1895]: get on a mailing list to receive hard copies of materials for current and future users.
Enough history: i assure you, i love electronic access. Issues of electronic access
1. ADA compliance: .pdf; java; etc. -- are not -- alternative formats [i.e., ASCII] should be for each publication.
2. How are most public access materials? WebTV? it's fast -- however [at this time], your t.v. is not a CPU -- you can not open acrobat files. EPA wise: http://www.epa.gov/ttbnrmrl/ the Technology Transfer publications are only in acrobat -- although you can order them...but, what if there is a time factor?
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