-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Changes in U.S. Geological PublicationSeries Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2004 15:40:45 -0500 From: Nancy L Blair <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ The following revisions of U.S. Geological Survey publication aeries have been implemented starting January 1, 2004. Since you are interested in maps, please note changes in thematic maps series. Some publications entering the process of review, approval, and publishing prior to 2004 may still retain the older series names and will arrive in depository shipments at least during the coming year. If you have further questions or comments, please contact me. - Nancy Blair, Chief Librarian, USGS Library, Reston, VA 703-648-4305, [log in to unmask] REVISED USGS SERIES The increased emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to research has led the U.S. Geological Survey to revise its scientific publication series. The series resulting from this change are designed to accommodate a broad range of research topics in biology, geology, geography, and hydrology. The resulting series are Circular, Data Series, Fact Sheet, General Information Product, Professional Paper, Open-File Report, Scientific Investigations Map, Scientific Investigations Report, and Techniques and Methods. The following titles will be discontinued and absorbed into the revised series: Biological Science Report; Bulletin; Digital Data Series; Geologic Investigations Series (I-maps); Hydrologic Investigations Atlas (HA-maps); Information and Technology Report; Miscellaneous Field Studies Map (MF-maps); Techniques of Water Resources Investigations (TWRI); Topographic Instructions; and Water Resources Investigations (WRI). The list below outlines the scope of the revised series and their relationship with the discontinued titles. Circular Scope: General science and public policy topics related to the mission of the USGS Numbering: No change Example: Circular 2345 Data Series Scope: Release of basic data sets, databases, computer programs, etc. Incorporates: Digital Data Series Information and Technology Report Numbering: Continues the numbering of Digital Data Series, without the DDS prefix Example: Data Series 55 Fact Sheet Scope: Brief descriptions of USGS science and products Numbering: Uses year-number; numbers start with 3001+ Example: Fact Sheet 2004-3001 General Information Product Scope: Topics of general interest in a variety of formats (pamphlets, postcards, posters, bookmarks, teacher kits, etc.) Numbering: Sequential Example: General Information Product 1 Professional Paper Scope: Premier series of the USGS containing comprehensive scientific reports Incorporates: Biological Science Report Numbering: No change Example: Professional Paper 3456 Open-File Report Scope: Interpretive information that must be released immediately, preliminary information, or information that does not warrant release in one of the other USGS series Numbering: Uses year-number; numbers start with 1001+ Example: Open-File Report 2004-1001 Scientific Investigations Map Scope: Scientific results of studies presented as maps, charts, stratigraphic sections, or other large illustrations Incorporates: Geologic Investigations Series (I-maps) Hydrologic Investigations Atlases (HA-maps) Miscellaneous Field Studies Maps (MF-maps) Water Resources Investigations Report (WRI) maps Numbering: Continues the numbering of I-maps, without the I- prefix Example: Scientific Investigations Map 2456 Scientific Investigations Report Scope: Significant data and interpretations of lasting scientific interest but generally narrower in scope than Professional Papers Incorporates: Biological Science Report Bulletin Information and Technology Report Water Resources Investigations Report (WRI) Numbering: Uses year-number; numbers start with 5001+ Example: Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5001 Techniques and Methods Scope: Descriptions of procedures for collection, analysis, or interpretation of scientific data Incorporates: Information and Technology Report Techniques of Water Resources Investigations (TWRI) Topographic Instructions Numbering: Continues the numbering of Techniques of Water Resources Investigations (TWRI) Example: Techniques and Methods Book 8, Chapter A, Part 3