Judy Russell, Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office

Judy Russell the Superintendent of Documents at the Government Printing Office (GPO) presented a "state of the union" to the conference attendees. In the past, the GPO was known for its publications and printings. The current goal of the office is to provide perpetually free public access to documents. Their logo is "Keeping America Informed."

The current mission statement for the GPO includes:

1. The public has a right of access to government publications.
2. The publications are authentic.
3. Publications are preserved for future generations.
4. Publications need to be in the public domain--copyright free.

At present 92% of new titles are available online. There are only 8% that are exclusively tangible products. The majority of these items are maps.

The status of the legacy digitization project:

1. GPO needs final approval.
2. The quality will be excellent and in color.
3. Current publications are published electronically.
4. There is a comprehensive federal bibliography.
5. Z39--libraries can download information directly to their catalogs.

GPO projects:

1. National Archives--GPO online collection, NA tangible collection, and a permanent preservation for last resort.
2. Version control requirements--an ongoing tough problem.

Judy Russell's Recommended Readings (short list):

• Recent Speeches of the Superintendent of Documents
• Depository Library Council Vision Blog
• Digitization of the Legacy Government Documents Collection

Submitted by Tracie