Original_To:  BITNET%"govdoc-l@psuvm"
Approved-By:  RAED@VMD.CSO.UIUC.EDU
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.govdoc-l
Date:         Thu, 17 Dec 1992 09:27:31 CST
From:         BAURE%MEMSTVX1@PSUVM.PSU.EDU
Subject:      Congressional letter

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

May we add one more letter about the GPO cuts?  Eventhough our senator is
moving up in the world we didn't think it would hurt to let him know about
the situation.  We are also sending other letters around the same theme.

Dear Senator Gore:
     In 1989 you designated Memphis State University Libraries Government
Documents Department the Regional Federal Depository Library in Tennessee.
At that time Tennessee was the only state without a regional depository.
We know you understand the role depository libraries play in the
dissemination of government information and are grateful for your help
in Tennessee.  In fact, you have spoken in this Library on NREN and through
the GPO Gateway Bill proposed an expanded role for depositories.
     Obviously you will no longer be a member of the Joint Committee on
Printing, but as you are an advocate of increased citizen access to public
information, I am nevertheless requesting your support in a public access
cause.
     In fiscal year 1993 the Government Printing Office requested
$32.5 million to maintain the Depository Library program.  However, only
$29 million was appropriated creating a shortfall of $3.5 million.  This
has caused the GPO to make drastic cost reductions in publication
distribution that is adversly affecting the 25 depository libraries in
Tennessee and thus public access to information.
     As a cost saving measure, the GPO is converting from paper to microfiche
such important documents as Supreme Court slip opinions, Serial Set volumes,
and Treaty volumes.  They are also strongly urging depositories to change
their paper selection to fiche of such titles as the Code of Federal Regulations
.
I am sure that Senate and Congressional staff would not enjoy working with
the CFR in microfiche; neither do other citizens throughout the U.S.
Because the Depository Library Service currently operates at a minimal leve
on a limited budget, *any* cuts have significant ramifications regarding
public access.
     In fiscal year 1991/92 the MSU Documents Department received 15,000
print and 78,817 fiche publications, answered 11,000 questions and circulated
2600 documents to its constituents.  The State of Tennessee supports the
maintenance of the collection and the provision of service for this depository
as well as for almost all others in the State.  State and local governments
throughout the U.S. are indirectly supporting the depository program through
their colleges and universities and public libraries to at least the degree
that the federal government is.  The federal government should keep its part
of the bargain.
     Congress has long recognized the vlaue of an informed citizenry,
formally establishing the depository library program with the Printing Act
of 1895.  The U.S. is unique in the world in its commitment to an informed
population.  Congress should continue its democratic tradition and fund
this valuable and economic program to the fullest level possible.

Sincerely,

Saundra Williams
Tennessee Regional Librarian

Beth Baur
baure@memstvx1
Memphis State University Libraries
901-678-2206
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU