--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 12:06:49 -0700 (PDT)
From: Linda Newman <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: FW: NTIS demise (fwd)
Sender: Linda Newman <[log in to unmask]>



Does anyone know how this will effect our access to CIA maps?
Linda Newman


To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: NTIS demise


Linked to from the Dept of Commerce Homepage:

http://204.193.246.62/public.nsf/docs/FFF05791D63331D1852567CB00693643

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 12, 1999

Contact: Maria Tildon
Marlene MacDonald
202-482-4883

Commerce Secretary William M. Daley Announces Intention to Close National
Technical Information Service

Washington, DC

Commerce Secretary William M. Daley
today announced his intention to work with Congress to close the National
Technical Information Service (NTIS) at the Department of Commerce, while
preserving public access to scientific and technical reports. After
extensive review and analysis it was determined that the core function of
NTIS, providing government information for a fee, is no longer needed in
this day of advanced electronic technology.  Established in 1950, NTIS'
core business B the sale of government documents in microfiche and on
paper B is rapidly becoming less of the necessity it was as agencies and
groups have begun to post their reports on the Internet for free.  For
example, the Commerce Department recently released a report called, "The
Emerging Digital Economy II."  This report can be downloaded from the
Department of Commerce web site for free rather than for a $27 fee through
NTIS.  These changes in the information marketplace have made obsolete the
need for NTIS to serve as a clearinghouse and, thus have in turn made it
increasingly difficult for NTIS to maintain its operation on a
self-sustaining basis, as established by Congress.

NTIS' sales have dramatically declined over the last six years with the
advent of the personal computer and increased use of the Internet.  In
fact, NTIS' core clearinghouse business has not operated at a profit since
FY 1993.  In its March 1999 Semiannual Report to the Congress, Commerce's
Office of Inspector General concluded that "even with significant efforts
to improve its profitability, NTIS can no longer generate sufficient
revenue to remain self-supporting."  If this proposal is not implemented,
NTIS will be in danger of going bankrupt.

"This was a tough decision to make, but sound management dictates that we
cut our losses and recognize the technologically advanced environment we
live in," said Secretary Daley.  "This is the right thing to do and the
best thing for the American taxpayer."

The Commerce Department next month will send to Congress proposed
legislation closing NTIS and shifting its paper, microfiche, digital
archives and bibliographic database to the Library of Congress.  In
addition, Commerce will work to ensure that government technical and
business information provided by government agencies remains available to
the public for long periods of time.  The American people could continue
to find these technical reports through search engines that currently
exist (at, for example, the Library of Congress).

If Congress approves this proposal, Secretary Daley has instructed his
staff to work closely with the over 250 employees of NTIS to assist them
with job placement within the Department.  The Secretary also has sent a
letter to Office of Personnel Director, Janice Lachance, requesting the
Office of Personnel Management's assistance with both the placement and
retraining of NTIS employees.

Fact sheets with additional information are available on the Commerce
Department's web site at <a href="http://www.doc.gov">www.doc.gov</a> or
for a fax call the press office at 202-482-4883.

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