PUBLICATIONS DIVISION Results of research and investigations conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey are made available to the public through increasingly diverse information services and publications. The Publications Division edits the Survey's scientific and technical publications, including professional papers, bulletins, water-supply papers, and circulars. The Division also prepares nontechnical booklets designed to communicate many of the Survey programs to the public. In addition to preparing reproduction manuscripts for geologic, hydrologic, and other thematic maps, the Division prints topographic and thematic maps and warehouses and distributes all Survey maps and books. Major efforts were directed toward improvement of publications activities in fiscal year 1979. A multiyear program to modernize the system for distributing published products, which was initiated in fiscal year 1978, continued. The current manual system of order processing and inventory control is deficient in producing management information for efficient operations. The overall objective of this program, through automation and computerization, is to modernize and streamline all distribution operations to maximize responsiveness to customer demand and to do so in the most cost-effective manner. To date, a comprehensive in-house review of the existing distribution system, the development of alternative systems, and the selection of a new system to meet requirements have been completed. Design specifications for the new system are being developed. In conjunction with this program, a map and book stock reduction activity is being carried out to eliminate surpluses above projected demands and to minimize growth in inventory. Also in association with this program and as a conservation-type project, a contract to test the feasibility of recycling obsolete maps and converting them into mailing envelopes has been awarded. It is anticipated that the envelopes from this pilot project will be delivered by the contractor in early 1980. The Survey designates interested local retail stores and other public facilities as dealers in Geological Survey maps. The designated dealers purchase the maps they wish to handle, establish their own resale prices, and resell the maps to the general public over-the-counter at their business establishments. In fiscal year 1979, a program was initiated to increase the map dealer program to make topographic and other maps available to the users as readily and economically as possible while minimizing Government involvement and encouraging private enterprise. In fiscal year 1979, there were 1,792 commercial dealers throughout the United States. Map sales to dealers were about 36 percent of the total copies of Survey maps sold. A new Public Inquiries Office was established in Menlo Park, Calif., to improve dissemination of Geological Survey technical and scientific information to the general public at the Survey's Western Region Center. During this fiscal year, considerable research effort was devoted to solving problems of reproducing highquality imagery map products. Computerized satellite electromagnetic imagery and side-looking airborne radar photography both produce pictures comprised of picture elements (pixels) or scan lines. These pictures are difficult to reproduce by conventional halftoning methods without color aberration, moire, and the loss of detail. Results from the research showed that use of screenless printing techniques substantially reduced reproduction problems. Several printing production jobs were completed using the screen less techniques, and excellent customer comments were received. The number of reports approved for publication by the Geological Survey continues to increase. About 60 percent of the 4,496 reports prepared in fiscal year 1979 were designated for publication in professional journals and monographs outside the Survey, about 28 percent were placed in the open file, and the remainder were scheduled for publication by the Survey. The Survey also produced over 10,147 topographic, hydrologic, and geologic maps in fiscal year 1979. Most of these maps were scheduled for publication. The openfile activity continued to grow during its second year of operation. The number of copies of open-file reports sold increased from 27,804 in fiscal year 1978 to 37,527 in fiscal year 1979, an increase of 35 percent. Production highlights include the printing of 16,920,264 copies of 5,783 different maps, the distribution of 9,291,181 copies of maps of which 6,571,131 copies were sold for $6,297,769, the transmittal of 169 technical manuscripts to the Government Printing Office for printing, the distribution of 351,872 copies of technical reports of which 53,360 copies were sold for $173,102 and the release of 1,304 open-file reports of which 37,527 copies were sold for $279,311. Guide to Information and Throughout this report, reference has been made to information services and publications of the Geological Survey. This section describes how and where the public may acquire information and obtain products. To buy Survey book publications and maps of areas east of the Mississippi River or to request Survey circulars, catalogs, pamphlets, and leaflets (limited quantities free), write or visit: U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Distribution 1200 S. Eads St. Arlington, VA 22202 To buy maps of areas west of the Mississippi River and to request Survey catalogs, pamphlets, and leaflets (limited quantities free), write or visit: U.S. Geological Survey Box 25286, Bldg. 41, Federal Center To buy Alaskan maps, residents of Alaska may write or visit: |