--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2000 11:40:46 -0400
From: "Etkin, Cynthia L." <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: 2000 Minimum Technical Requirements (Cross-posted)
Sender: "Etkin, Cynthia L." <[log in to unmask]>



This message was cross-posted to GOVDOC-L, DocTech-L, LAW-LIB and MAPS-L.
Please excuse the duplication.


2000 Minimum Technical Requirements in Effect

New minimum technical requirements (MTR) for public workstations in Federal
depository libraries will go into effect October 1, 2000.  The proposal for
new requirements and the Depository Library Council's recommendation to
implement them was published in the May 1, 2000 issue of Administrative
Notes < http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/pubs/adnotes/ad050100.html >.

All Federal depository libraries must meet the MTR to keep pace with
technological change in order to fulfill their Title 44 obligation to
provide access to Government information products.  The new requirements
were originally issued as the "1999 Recommended Specifications for Public
Access Workstations in Federal Depository Libraries" in the June 15, 1999
Administrative Notes.  Library Programs Service (LPS) will continue to issue
Recommended Specifications for Public Access Workstations in Federal
Depository Libraries (RS) each spring to assist depository library staff in
planning for new computer purchases.

As another step in the transition to an e-FDLP and in accordance with
Depository Library Council recommendations from its Spring 2000 meeting, a
schedule was established to regularly increase workstation requirements.
Fifteen months after issuance, RS will become MTR.  The Requirements, the
Recommended Specifications, and the schedule are all available from the FDLP
Desktop at:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/computers

Having a DVD drive is a major change included in the 1999 RS.  At present
the only DVD products distributed through the FDLP are from the Patent and
Trademark Office.  LPS has learned that the Census Bureau will be producing
DVD products for distribution, the first of which will be the Census Tract
Street Index.


Cynthia Etkin
Program Analyst
Library Programs Service (SL)
US Government Printing Office
Washington, DC  20401

e-mail: [log in to unmask]
phone: 202-512-1119
fax:      202-512-1432
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