NCJ Number
116736
Date Published
1988
Length
333 pages
Annotation
This report addresses opportunities to improve the dissemination of Federal Information and focuses on current and future roles of the United States Government Printing Office (GPO) and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS).
Abstract
An overview of Federal information dissemination is presented. It is noted that the majority of information dissemination by GPO and NTIS is limited largely to paper (or paper and microfiche). Key technology trends are discussed, such as desktop publishing, high-end electronic publishing, and online information dissemination. The future of the GPO is analyzed, including plants and equipment, and possible labor reductions. Various information technologies, libraries, and the Federal Depository Library Program are presented. Information technologies in libraries, such as library communication networks, electronic bulletin boards, and optical disks are discussed. The current method of dissemination of Congressional information is presented. It is noted that Congress needs to determine the level of responsibility it wishes to assume for electronic information dissemination. The applicability of the Freedom of Information Act to electronic media is analyzed. Electronic dissemination of government information to the press is presented. Appendixes.