Proposals

Job Ads for the USGS Libraries New Post

News Backfiles

Background

Editorial Guidelines

Why should you care about the USGS Libraries?  The Libraries are part of our country's information heritage. Supported by tax dollars, they:

• Are irreplaceable resources, including millions of books, maps, journals, documents and images on the geosciences
• Rival the US National Libraries of Medicine and Agriculture in their scope, and have no equal internationally
• Are the source of vital information on the Earth to the public as well as to the scientists of the USGS. 

What do we want?

• Continuing public access to geoscience information paid for by tax dollars.
• Preservation of the USGS Libraries collections and resources, including all USGS publications.
• Collaboration and partnerships with other geoscience libraries to support access and preservation.

The USGS Libraries are changing -- let's ensure that the change benefits all.

Latest News

February 2008

Glen Cook, Field Records Librarian at the USGS Library, Denver, has left that position. It is expected that a search to fill this position will take place within the next several month.

April 2007

Updates on GeoRef and the USGS Library collections. From the report on the GeoRef Advisory Committee Meeting, Oct. 25 2006: "The Advisory Committee recommended writing a white paper for the new AGI Director. The white paper would inform the new director about GeoRef's role in the geological community, discuss where source material comes from, and comment on replacing USGS libraries as data sources."

.... The situation of the USGS Library was reviewed. The report by Mike McDermott, USGS, to the GSIS was considered....The GeoRef Advisory Committee discussed what happens to AGI indexes when the USGS converts to online journals and excludes walk-ins [members of the public coming on site to the USGS Library], thus preventing AGI from gathering indexing information. There was discussion about using non-USGS libraries for collections, and possible incentives for getting information that was formerly obtained from the USGS exchange programs. Other suggested action items include a letter to the new director of the USGS urging the USGS to insure continuation of the flow of information from abroad so that it can be added to GeoRef and made available; and asking the USGS for a list of exchange partners.

Journal Coverage Study: The availability of journals has declined at the USGS library....In looking at the year 2000 vs. present, total serials titles in GeoRef have increased 10%. Titles at the USGS have declined by 10%. Serials information sent directly to AGI has increased from 13% to 25%. More Open Access material is included. Information from international partners has increased from 24% to 30%. The question was raised whether it might be possible to have an endowed fund for purchase of non-U.S.A. material. Other sources of information include the large museums, since many have exchange programs.   (Excerpted from the Geoscience Information Society Newsletter, No. 225, April 2007)

March 2007

Digital Services Librarian. Richard Huffine, USGS Library National Library Coordinator, reports that the USGS Libraries expect to have a new Digital Services Librarian on staff at Reston by May 2007. This new position will supervise staff managing electronic resources and the online library catalog as well as oversee both the Libraries internet and intranet Web sites.

Field Records Librarian. The position of Field Records Librarian for the USGS-Denver Library has been filled by a contract employee with special libraries experience. 

Recent Additions to the USGS Electronic Resources. Huffine reports: Additions of E-Journals--The USGS Library has added the Wiley "Earth and Environmental Sciences" Backfile Collection to its resources. The Collection includes access to 25 journal titles. The USGS Library has also purchased access to an additional 31 journal titles via Elsevier's ScienceDirect for the current 5 years. The Survey's access includes "Articles in Press," papers accepted for publication but not yet available in print. For the first time, the GIO (Geospatial Information Office) Library has purchased ScienceDirect access for titles held by the Science Center libraries. Titles were selected in consultation with Science Center librarians. In 2006 the Library had added access to SCOPUS, GeoscienceWorld, and Serials Solutions for USGS staff.  The libraries implemented Central Search and Article Linker from Serials Solutions. They provide a federated search across a variety of both citations and e-text resources licensed by the USGS, and URL resolution services that allow the libraries to connect search results to both citations and ultimately to the licensed e-text journal articles.

E-Books--The Library has purchased an e-book collection from NetLibrary consisting of 132 titles on desktop technology, IT software and networking. These titles and links to content are included in the USGS Library's catalog.  Other e-books available to USGS staff include encyclopedias of earth science, hydrological sciences, ocean sciences, physical science and technology, soil science and water science. Other recent additions include "The World's Coasts," "Treatise on Geochemistry," and "Glossary of Geology."

[Access to many, but not all, of the USGS Library's e-resources is bureau-wide for USGS staff. In general, these e-resources are not available to the public at the USGS library sites.]

January 2007

New National Library Coordinator. The USGS announced the hire of Richard Huffine as the new National Library Coordinator for the Survey. Full text of the announcement:

The U.S. Geological Survey Library is pleased to distribute the following announcement:

Richard Huffine has been selected as the new National Library Coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey.  Richard comes to USGS from the GSA’s FirstGov program where he has served as their Web Analytics Manager since November 2005.  Prior to joining GSA, Richard served for 5 years as the National Library Network Manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  His work at EPA included the 2004 “Business Case for Information Services” and the implementation of the EPA Desktop Library.  In addition to his work as the National Library Network Manager, Richard served on the EPA’s Information Access Team and was responsible for the Agency’s Browse Topics application as well as aspects of the EPA’s service to citizens including comments processing and library catalog applications.

Richard holds a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Appalachian State University.  Prior to entering the field of librarianship, Richard managed a bookstore in Asheville, North Carolina.  Richard is a “born digital” librarian and is excited to be joining USGS at a time when access to digital collections is becoming a key component to the future of USGS Information and Library Services.  His background and experience with performance measures and assessment will provide the USGS staff with important tools to demonstrate the value they add to the Survey’s activities.  

As National Library Coordinator at USGS, Richard will be responsible for strategic planning and implementation of initiatives across the Survey that have an impact on information and library services.  He will coordinate activities across the USGS Regional Libraries as well as USGS Science Center Libraries.  He will be actively looking to develop partnerships and strategic alliances with institutions that provide information and library services in the natural sciences.

Richard is an active member of both the American Library Association and the Special Libraries Association.  He is the founding Chair of SLA’s Government Information Division and is active in the DC Chapter of SLA as well.  Richard has also served in the past on the Federal Libraries and Information Centers Committee of the Library of Congress and the Federal Records Council of the National Archives and Records Administration.  Richard is also President of the Federation of Friends of the DC Public Library and sits Ex-Officio on the DC Public Library Board of Trustees.  

 

Proposals

• Are open for more hours and have more public service staff.
• Have more interlibrary loan resources.
• Have access to more resources in other disciplines, for example, chemistry, engineering, environmental science.
• Are usually geared to serve a variety of public users as well as the university community.
• Have larger facilities with computers, copiers, printers, etc. available to the public.
• Can write grants to support cooperative projects.

Contact the Moderator if:

• You have a proposal
• You are a librarian or represent an institution and would like to participate in a proposal.
• You represent the USGS and want to pursue a partnership.

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PROPOSAL: Internships

Members of the geoscience librarians community have expressed interest in participating in internships at the USGS Libraries. An internship program could be modeled after the successful map librarian internship program sponsored by the Library of Congress. Benefits: Experienced interns can offer expertise in technological applications and geoscience information management for the USGS Libraries while learning new skills and gaining familiarity with the USGS Libraries' resources. Users gain a better library system.

Interested in participating?

Contact the Moderator.

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PROPOSAL: LOCKSS

LOCKSS (Lots Of Copies Keep Stuff Safe) refers to a practice of distributing copies of materials to other sites and/or other organizations to ensure that publications will always be accessible despite adversity at any one site. The original LOCKSS Program refers to e-publications, but the idea also applies to physical formats. A number of geoscience libraries already participate in the USGPO Federal Depository Library Program and are interested in adding to their collections with duplicates from the USGS Libraries. Benefits: Publications are more accessible. The USGS Libraries can direct the public to other libraries and reduce service and maintenance burdens. Participating libraries gain enhanced collections and improve service to their own users as well as to the public. Users gain better access to these materials and improved service.

Interested in participating?

Colorado School of Mines Library, Golden CO

Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections, Stanford University, Stanford CA

If you're also interested, contact the Moderator.

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PROPOSAL: Collaborative Collection Development

This is a general proposal calling for collaboration on acquisitions, maintenance, access and preservation. Non-Federal geoscience libraries have access to resources not readily available to the USGS. These libraries  offer to partner with the USGS to share access to library collections, expand USGS access to off-site collections, and to maintain cohesive collections of USGS materials by methods including preservation activities, creating duplicate copies, housing USGS collections at other sites, etc. as appropriate.

      Interested in participating?

     Colorado School of Mines Library, Golden CO

     Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections, Stanford University, Stanford CA

     If you're also interested, contact the Moderator.

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PROPOSAL: USGS International Exchange Program

The USGS Libraries can supplement their international exchange program by collaborating with other geoscience libraries. Other libraries may be able to partner by housing incoming collections from selected geographic areas, or by actively participating  in the exchange process with assistance from the USGS. Benefits: The USGS Libraries can reduce service and maintenance burdens. Participating libraries gain enhanced collections. Users gain better access to international publications in geology.

Interested in participating?

Contact the Moderator.

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PROPOSAL: Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery

The USGS Libraries can collaborate with partner libraries to provide interlibrary loan services. The USGS would provide duplicates or originals of specific collections and accompanying metadata to the partner libraries. The partner libraries would maintain those collections, integrate them and their metadata with their own resources, and be the source for any interlibrary loan/document delivery of those materials to requestors. Partner libraries who are members of resource-sharing consortia would make these materials accessible to a wide user population. Benefits: USGS libraries would reduce their interlibrary loan and duplicating demands and can divert resources to other activities. Partner libraries gain enhanced collections. Users gain better access to these materials and improved service. All benefit from LOCKSS (see above). 

Interested in participating?

Colorado School of Mines Library, Golden CO

If you're also interested, contact the Moderator.

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PROPOSAL: Digitization Projects

The USGS is actively engaged in digitization of  its publications. Partner libraries may be able to provide valuable expertise in user interfaces and help guides, reference support, metadata, and other areas. Partner libraries may also offer to house copies of digital files locally (LOCKSS above) and/or participate in  integrating resources into existing collections of other geoscience materials. 

Interested in participating?

Contact the Moderator.

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Job Ads for the USGS Libraries

Positions close 4/4/2008. Links to vacancies are at:

CR-2008-325 (MP)  USAJobs http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.as?seeker=1&JobID=69868966; OARS http://jobsl.quickhire.com/scripts/usgs.exe/runjobinfo?aOrg=l&aJob=12984&parserID=~BROWSE~&ORGIMG=usgs.gif;

CR-2008-0323 (DEU) USAJobs http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.as?seeker=1&JobID=69869573; OARS http://jobsl.quickhire.com/scripts/usgs.exe/runjobinfo?aOrg=l&aJob=12981&parserID=~BROWSE~&ORGIMG=usgs.gif;

Position closes 2/19/2008.

Job description includes: Grows collection; serves patrons; staffs the main library reference desk; accepts new deposits; determines appropriateness by following internal guidelines; compiles inventories of deposits following NARA guidelines; readies deposits for transfer to NARA; updates existing inventories; physically transfers deposits to NARA; updates Field Records Webpage.

Preferred: Master of Library Science. Required: Geology or earth science background.

ETI Professionals Inc., placement specialist.

Open 5/24/07-7/5/2007 and posted on the USGS Online Automated Recruitment System; salary $67,572 to $104,464; location Denver CO

Duties [verbatim]: The incumbent serves as a Team Lead over the USGS Central Region and is responsible for the technical phases of the library program in the region. The librarian ensures that the organizations' strategic plan, mission, vision and values are communicated to all the Central Region disciplines and Bureau teams and integrated into Bureau strategies, goals, and objectives as related to library services. Coaches, trains or arrange for technical training of team members; and reports to Science Information & Library Services Chief (SILS).

Serves as a subject matter expert involving defining the scope of the collection; providing a strategy for planning and executing the library budget; marketing library services and products to current and potential clientele. Makes short and long-range recommendations for new enhanced services and exercises accountability over the library's collection. Serves as a member of the Library Management Team, participating in management decision-making, problem solving and contributes to open an effective system-wide communications among management, colleagues and staff.

Provides resource materials from the multi-disciplinary collection to support the research and work of the Department of Interior, scientists, universities, libraries, professionals and world-wide government agencies. Provides professional leadership to the Library team in the implementation of USGS library policy and procedures which may include but not limited to, circulation services, reference services, cataloging services, collection development, collection weeding, preservation, environmental control, disaster recover, as well as acquisitions and technical services. May operate a government vehicle as an incidental driver.

Open 3/6/2006-3/17/2006 and posted on the USGS Online Automated Recruitment System; salary $91,407 to 118,828; location Reston VA

Major duties [verbatim]: Responsible for providing a visionary leadership to ensure that the USGS maintains a world-class status in terms of library services, capabilities, and technology. Develops long and short-range plans in the anticipation of changes in program needs, new technology, or available funding resources. Formulates management policy and plans concerning the management of the USGS Library System.

Responsible for coordinating system-wide collection development, management, and preservation of materials in all formats and media, ranging from printed books, maps, photographs, and field records to electronic journals and databases. Incumbent is also responsible for maintaining a current knowledge of the science programs and activities of USGS, principles and techniques of information science and management, and library user requirements. Represents the USGS in advancing library objectives, coordinating all library operations, and maintaining liaison with appropriate personnel in the Department of the Interior, other Federal libraries, and non-federal earth and biological science libraries.

Basic professional library science requirements [verbatim]: A.) Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree; OR:  B.) A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

[Not reproduced here: information on GS-14 qualifications, logistics, rating, how to apply, benefits, etc.]

Vacancy description (NOVEMBER 2005): Library cataloger, contract staff with ETI Professionals

Advertised in November; local (Colorado) candidates only; location Denver CO

Vacancy description (OCTOBER 2005): Librarian, GS-1410-11, permanent position

Posted on the US Geological Survey Online Automated Recruitment System, re-posted to MAPS-L by a listserv member [paraphrased here]. Open period 10/03/2005-10/17/2005; salary $53,409 to $69,432; location Denver CO

Major duties [verbatim]: Incumbent answers full range of in-person, telephone, and written reference questions received from USGS personnel and outside users. Instructs Library users in use of computer catalog, manual card catalog, CD-ROMS, and other information sources. Explains and interprets Library policies, services and organization to users. Identifies and verifies bibliographic citations of items requested through interlibrary loan. Recommends to supervisor policies relating to reference services, automation of libraries, preservation and conservation of maps, GIS activities, and Library procedures. Reviews needs of Denver Library for additional material and recommends new titles for purchase. Functions as map specialist for more complicated map reference questions; responsible for map collection development; makes recommendations to supervisor regarding policies and procedures related to map collection.

Functions as Library liaison to geographic information systems (GIS) activities; establishes and maintains access to GIS software; trains and assists Library users and staff in searching these systems....

Basic professional library science requirements [verbatim]: A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in physical science or that included any combination of subjects with at least 15 semester hours in a major subject (such as geophysics, geology, hydrology, etc.) OR B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

[Not reproduced here: information on GS-11 qualifications, logistics, rating, how to apply, benefits, etc.]

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News Backfiles

October 2006

Geoscience Information Society Annual Meeting, GSA, Philadelphia PA. The USGS Library was a topic for discussion at several forums held by GSIS in Philadelphia. Representatives from the USGS, including those in the reporting structure of the Library system, were available to participate Mike McDermott, National Coordinator for the Natural Sciences Network of the USGS, spoke on plans for the USGS Library at the GSIS Forum "Envisioning the Future of Geoscience Librarianship." The PowerPoint for Mr. McDermott's presentation, "USGS Library Update,"  is available on the GSIS website.

USGS Library-Denver Head resigns. The Head of the USGS Library-Denver, Tommie Ann Gard, resigned in October. Indications are that the Survey will advertise for a new head librarian in Denver.

March 2006

USGS National Library Coordinator.  The posting to fill the position of "National Library Coordinator for the Library Services function within the Science Information and Library Services of the Natural Science Network of the Science Information and Education Office of the Geospatial Information Office of the USGS" in Reston (otherwise known as the Head of the USGS Libraries-Reston office) has been posted. See Job Ads.

Library materials budget cuts.  The USGS Libraries are operating under the severe materials budget cuts that were proposed in 2005. This includes a system-wide $164,000 cut in journal subscriptions. E-journal packages such as Elsevier's ScienceDirect are available but other journal titles have been cut. The Library System's monographs budget cut has been distributed between the library sites. The USGS-Denver Library is now operating with $1,000 for the year, their portion of the System's current monograph budget. The USGS Libraries are facing the same financial problems with materials as other earth science libraries--increasing costs of monographs and serials, fewer materials coming through exchange programs, etc.  

Services and facilities. Services and collection maintenance continue at minimal levels at the USGS library sites due to insufficient staffing, although stop-gap measures are in place to maintain publicly visible functions. Public service has been cited as a priority for USGS Library staff at this time. The USGS Field Notes collection is being evaluated for selective removal of some of the oldest materials to NARA (National Archives and Records Administration) in Denver. Selected photos from the USGS photographs collection in Denver, with an emphasis on pre-1955 photographs, are being digitized and made available via the Web as a priority service. Earth Science Information Center (ESIC) offices have been merged with the libraries at Reston and Menlo Park, with plans to combine the Denver offices as well.  

Budget cuts, decreased services, major staff reductions and gaps in USGS Library System administration coupled with the system-wide Libraries reorganization are serious causes for concern among users of earth science information. Library users already worry about the EPA's preemptive closure of the EPA Midwest Regional Library in response to the President's FY 2007 budget proposal. The Midwest Regional Library is one of the 27 EPA libraries that face proposed budget cuts of 80% or more. Crippling budget and staff cuts at any library result in near-complete loss of function and either closure of the library or its reduction to a reading room or storage facility.

USGS Coalition testimony. The USGS Coalition, an alliance of nearly 70 organizations supporting federal investment in USGS programs, provided testimony to the US House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in March. Included in their testimony:

• Real funding for the USGS has been nearly flat from 1996-2006 (this includes restoration of numerous proposed budget cuts to the USGS).
• The President's FY 2007 budget request proposes to reduce funding for the USGS as an agency; including a proposal to cut the Mineral Resources Program by  $22.0 million (41.7%) and to eliminate the entire budget ($6.4 million) for the Water Resources Research Institutes, located in all 50 states. 

November 2005

Staffing:  At the USGS Denver Library two library program students and a contract library technician for circulation have been hired to assist the 3 remaining professional librarians. Reportedly a cataloger position is open and being advertised. The position of Chief at the USGS Menlo Park Library is unfilled and on hold for budgetary reasons. A USGS staff person has reported that the "US Geological Survey Library: Contacts & Specialists" webpage is outdated and that there are unlisted staff in the Libraries.

October 2005

[Much of this information was submitted at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah.]

Staffing. At current count, at least 50% of the library staff (70% in Denver to date) took the buy-out. There are no plans to replace all positions, nor to replace all of the professional librarian positions. Some positions are being filled temporarily by students and technicians. Many of the librarians who left had in-depth knowledge of the collections and their users' needs; those skills are lost and will probably not be replaced. The USGS is looking for different skill sets to manage information and technological applications. Job descriptions for open positions have not been released yet [although a position opening for the Denver Library has been advertised]. In the mean time, the USGS is operating under the policy that all services will continue as before, if not better.

Collections. Despite the cuts in acquisitions budgets, the USGS anticipates no interruption in acquisitions. However, members of the audience pointed out that no new acquisitions have been recorded by the Libraries since March. (As an aside, this means that the USGS Libraries have provided no new contributions to the GeoRef database since then.) Salary savings from the staff buy-outs will not be diverted to acquisitions for at least 12 months, if at all. The international exchange program, a critical program providing many international geology publications to US users and not duplicated in scope in either the public or private sectors, is in danger of being discontinued altogether.

Access. The USGS plans to continue its program of digitizing print materials, which should improve access. However, after digitizing only selected materials they plan to ship print collections such as the field notes and some photos to NARA (National Archives and Records Administration) for storage, compared by one librarian as for all practical purposes "going in a black hole." No offence to NARA--they have a different mission. The audience pointed out that:

1. NARA does not have the resources to provide reference help, let alone geology-specific help, to users of this information.
2. Users will not know "what NARA has." NARA typically does not provide library-standard metadata (data describing the item). Metadata is the primary tool used to identify publications. Insufficient metadata degrades accessibility of materials and in this case is thoroughly inadequate for users such as geologists and members of the public.
3. NARA as an archive does not participate in resource sharing, for example interlibrary loan. Even if people can identify items they need, they must use the items on site and pay for copies.
4. In the past NARA has microfilmed archival records of scientific materials, significantly degrading the quality of the data and making it unusable for some applications--geologic materials and images are particularly vulnerable to this problem.

Concern was expressed by the audience for projects such as the National Map and the USGPO Federal Depository Library Program's distribution of USGS materials (see below). The National Map, an online interactive map from the USGS, provides valuable data to geologists. However, the National Map website doesn't keep track of updates and changes (included in metadata describing the Map), making it impossible to track or cite the National Map correctly. The ability to attribute a source of information is critical for the professional literature of geology and for studies with real-world applications--earthquake hazards, water resources including floods and drought, urban planning, etc. The USGS does have metadata standards but these standards are not being applied to the National Map. While the National Map is outside of the USGS Libraries' responsibilities, its problems are very much within the concerns of geoscience librarians everywhere.  

Control of public information. The restructuring of the USGS Libraries and the lack of experienced staff mean that the Libraries are no longer effective advocates within the USGS for maintaining control over the agency's intellectual property, which is mostly in the public domain. Lofton reported that they would "try to" argue that core intellectual works of the USGS with commercial importance should remain in the public domain and the agency's control. They cannot make any guarantees that this tax-funded information will remain in the public domain rather than being outsourced and made available only commercially.

Outsourcing. The USGS is actively exploring outsourcing of the Libraries' services and collections (see NARA above). However, Lofton stated that the USGS had not considered outsourcing and collaboration with any non-profit agencies such as universities with geology libraries. The audience expressed enthusiasm for exploring partnerships with the USGS Libraries, and Lofton later indicated that the USGS is seeking proposals and suggestions for such partnerships. 

External input. The USGS wants feedback on the Libraries, and Lofton indicated that he would be happy to talk with the GSIS group again. He stated that internal user study committees are looking at the USGS Libraries and their future, but when questioned said that no people from outside the USGS are participants of these studies. The audience strongly suggested that any evaluation of the USGS Libraries include external participants, and offered to identify volunteers from the geoscience librarian community.

Send comments and feedback to:

Ron Lofton, Acting Chief, Natural Science Network
Central Region, Geospatial Information Office, USGS
PO Box 25286, MS 306
Denver CO 80225
rlofton@usgs.gov

Pat Leahy, Acting Director, USGS
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., MS 108
Reston VA 20192-0002
pleahy@usgs.gov

Karen Siderelis, Associate Director for Geospatial Information
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., MS 108
Reston VA 20192-0002
ksiderelis@usgs.gov

The American Geological Institute (AGI) has so far failed to take a lead in working with the USGS to ensure that the Libraries continue as a critical resource in geoscience information. However, AGI's GeoRef staff, who have cooperative agreements with the USGS and rely heavily on their collections, have been making "disaster plans" since the proposed massive budget cuts to the USGS Libraries in 1997 to try to compensate for any losses suffered by the Libraries.

Lack of staff: Since the library staff reductions, there are a number of reports of USGS libraries being unstaffed or having no visible staff to attend to walk-in users. There have also been multiple reports of library materials gone missing and of people walking out the door with materials important to them "to save them" from any impending downsizing, lack of staff, or other actions. A USGS employee referred to the budget reductions for the Libraries as "death by a thousand cuts."

Users report that various USGS libraries are no longer processing incoming materials--no longer able to keep up with incoming materials, catalog them for addition to the USGS Library catalog, or get them on the shelves for users. According to the latest "US Geological Survey Library: Contacts & Specialists" webpage, there is now only a single staff person responsible for both acquisitions and cataloging for the entire USGS Libraries system.

The job ad for the coordinator of the USGS Libraries is reportedly being drafted.

Distribution of USGS geologic information continues to face difficulties. Availability of USGS publications on the Web enhances access for all users--it's a good idea. However, posting publications on the Web should be done with consideration of access issues, potential use and preservation. Although the USGS has instituted a digitization program and e-publication, many geologic publications are poorly suited to electronic format. Members of the public who need print copies must pay for expensive color printing and oversize formats (for example, most maps are not 8.5 x 11"). Some USGS publications have no print equivalents and the Survey's procedures on archiving electronic data are unclear. If the Web version is inaccessible--networks go down, files and webpages get deleted--access to physical formats somewhere is critical.

Much of the information produced by the USGS has been distributed to university and public libraries through the US Government Printing Office Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) in the past. However, some USGS publications are available through the FDLP "only if the researcher put that cost into their budget initially"--not a uniform practice in the USGS. Some USGS publications are not accessible through any of the common sources at all and must be tracked down one by one.

The USGPO has already proposed eliminating most physical formats of USGS publications from the FDLP--libraries would have to identify and separately purchase the physical publications they need. The disruption in staffing and budget cuts at the USGS Libraries means that the Libraries will be a diminished resource for identifying and getting access to USGS publications.

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September 2005

Reported to be the last month for USGS Libraries staff to accept the early retirement buy-out.

Ron Lofton is now the Acting Chief for the Central Region office of the Natural Science Network, under the USG Geospatial Information Office. The USGS Libraries report to the Network.

July 2005

The "US Geological Survey Library: News & Events" webpage's latest news update is May 1 2004. No news of changes or status of services at the USGS Libraries is reported there.

April 2005

Despite repeated requests, little information on the USGS Libraries budget cuts is forthcoming from the USGS through most of April. Calls to USGS administrators have gone unreturned. No information about plans to fill these vacated positions or on the future staffing of the Libraries is available from the USGS.

Continued operations of GeoRef, AGI's database on geoscience information, are expected to change radically since GeoRef depends on the collections of the USGS for much of its information.

GSIS has written letters of concern to the USGS, American Geological Institute, Geological Society of America, American Libraries Association, and Special Libraries Association. 

Organizational change:  Mike McDermott, National Coordinator of the Natural Science Network at the USGS, announced that the USGS Libraries will now report to the Network. The Network is a new entity whose purpose is to bring together all public service functions within the USGS, including the Libraries, the Earth Science Information Centers, and the mapping warehouse in Denver. The Network is part of the USGS Geospatial Information Office. McDermott is now the primary contact for issues on the USGS Libraries. 

Library staff retirements took place under two federal programs--VSIP and VERA. Under these programs, new employees cannot be hired to do the same job; a new job category must be created. McDermott indicated that the large number of library staff taking the buy-out was "unanticipated."

McDermott reported that there are no plans to close any of the libraries. They are working to restructure agencies, and combine the Library with other information services to build more digital capabilities. For staff, they are evaluating their needs, re-writing job descriptions, and considering outsourcing. Changes are projected in FY 2006.

McDermott stated that he welcomes input from the library community on the USGS Libraries, how they can make the transition to a digital library, and how they can better utilize knowledge management.

Staff update: There have been a total of 19 retirements out of about 47 staff from the Libraries to date, or about 40% of the work force:

• Library Headquarters (Eastern Region)--The Head of the USGS Library System retired.

• Reston Library (Eastern Region)--9 staff have retired.

• Denver Library (Central Region)--6 of 10 staff retired, including the staff in charge of the Fields Record Library, the Photo Library, a reference librarian, and 3 technical services staff. This leaves only the Head of the Library and 3 reference librarians.

• Flagstaff Library (Western Region)--the Head of the Library retired, leaving only 1 staff person remaining.

• Menlo Park Library (Western Region)--2 retirements.

March 2005

Announcements of imminent retirements of many USGS Library staff, who have reportedly taken an early buy-out, started to circulate.

Informal word from the USGS was that, in order to meet a projected budget deficit, the library staff were offered buyouts and early retirement specifically to substantially reduce staff. Serials and book budgets were cut significantly to below the previous year's budget.

By the end of March, the following staff plan to leave: 9 library staff from Reston, Virginia; 5 from Denver, Colorado, 3 from Menlo Park, California and 1 from Flagstaff, Arizona. Nancy Blair, the Head of the USGS Library System, retired.

The remaining library staff discussed cutting or reducing interlibrary loan, hours of operation, and other services. The USGS Library in Denver, Colorado sent out the information almost immediately that it was closed to visitors and no longer responding to inquiries while it determined what services could be provided.

Requests for information to the USGS on the budget cuts and staff reductions went unanswered.

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Background

The USGS Libraries and their resources are again in jeopardy. This is not idle concern or hyperbole. Resource re-allocations, reorganizations and technological innovations may be necessary or even ultimately beneficial, but done without foresight or consultation with involved constituencies they have also threatened access to government-produced geoscience information in the past:

• The US Bureau of Mines was disbanded and the Denver Bureau offices including the library were closed in 1995-1996. At the time, no information was forthcoming from the USBM to the public on the disposition of the library's collections. During the ~100 day closure process, there were reports of the collections being high-graded by departing staff members (high-grading = removing the best or most desirable materials). As the library closed, some materials were shipped to different government agencies in at least 6 locations, including the Denver USGS Library. However, some materials were discarded into dumpsters without offering them to any of the many libraries that could have accepted them. Of the materials shipped elsewhere, for example Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, many are still in storage or unknown status and not publicly available over a decade later. 

• In the past, the National Records and Archives Administration (NARA) has been used to store and preserve aerial photograph collections. Unfortunately, in at least one case NARA has microfilmed these archival materials, significantly degrading the quality of the data and making it unusable for some applications. Geologic materials and images are particularly vulnerable to this problem.

• The USGS Libraries faced severe budget cuts in 1997 when the USGS proposed to slash acquisitions of geoscience publications almost 50% and cut back on services. This proposal was successfully blocked when geologists and geoscience librarians outside of the USGS publicly protested.

• In 1999 the American Geological Institute (AGI) testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies. "We are cautiously optimistic that the budget restructuring will be beneficial for the USGS. Specifically, we hope that the transfer of the USGS Library -- our national library for the geosciences -- to a Survey-wide "Science Support" account will lead to a higher profile for this national treasure and lead to future increases in support. It is critical that the USGS Library keep pace with the rapid advances now taking place in scientific publishing and archiving" (AGI Government Affairs Program Special Update 4-14-99 ). Uneven progress at best, and no progress in some areas.

• In late 2001 the entire Dept. of Interior website system went down with security concerns as part of a court dispute involving the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This included the USGS and all of its Web-based e-publications. The USGS websites came back up shortly after, but there was no external back-up of USGS e-publications to turn to.

• The USGS Map Warehouse (now the Publications Warehouse) in Denver solicited for RFIs in 2004 to outsource their services to commercial concerns. The plan failed through lack of acceptable RFIs.

• Librarians and users have expressed excitement and enthusiasm over the USGS digitization programs (ongoing in 2006). However, they have concerns over the potential consequences for the Survey's print format collections.

  • Digital formats do not automatically replace print formats. Digitizing USGS publications does not make the print version valueless. In fact, people have reported that some digitization efforts only digitize "the important parts" of certain publications rather than the entire publication--who's deciding what's important and what will be "lost" in the electronic version?

  • The USGS Libraries should be the "owner of record" for all USGS publications, in all formats the Survey produces.

  • There are reports that the USGS  Publications Warehouse will be abolished, and that USGS collections such as the field notes and photos will be put in storage at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) once their items have been comprehensively (or worse, only selectively) digitized. To eliminate ready access to the print format of these digital materials creates significant barriers to access to geologists, librarians, and members of the public.  

In their plans to go digital, the USGS Libraries are facing significant problems in maintaining both their physical and electronic collections and the access to those resources. Professional library staff who locate and acquire new publications, organize  materials, create metadata for access, and provide expert help in identifying and using geologic information are just as important for a digital library as technical staff to digitize items and manage websites.

Geoscience librarians in higher education have for years been seeking collaborative arrangements with the USGS Libraries, with limited success. University libraries can offer partnerships in resource-sharing, resources in interlibrary loan networks, expertise in managing and storing information, enhanced access for all users with user-friendly indexes and extended hours of service, and expert assistance finding geologic information. The USGS has asked for proposals on cooperative agreements and partnerships--post your ideas here.

Summary Timeline 

January 2007:  Richard Huffine is named National Library Coordinator for the USGS.

2006:  The position of national library coordinator for the USGS (formerly, the head of the USGS Library system) remains unfilled. The USGS confirms that, while budget cuts may continue, there are no plans to close the Library.

The EPA's plans for its libraries to "go digital" without sufficient funding, interim access measures for its publications, or a workable plan for such an immense project come under internal and public criticism.

Mid March 2005: The geoscience information community first became aware of major cut-backs in the USGS Library System. This coincided with a proposed FY 2006 budget cut of 53% for the USGS Mineral Resource Program. While the proposed cut to the Mineral Resource Program was public knowledge shared by the American Geological Institute (AGI) to the geoscience community, the USGS Libraries budget cuts were not.

Members of the Geoscience Information Society (GSIS) learned of the USGS Libraries budget cuts indirectly as a startling number of Library System employees announced their retirements. Some indicated that staff were offered early buyouts to retire. No plans were announced to fill these positions.

Late April 2005: By this time it is clear to the geoscience librarian community that the remaining USGS library staff are not allowed to provide any information on the Libraries' reduced staffing, budget or services.  The USGS failed to respond to repeated attempts to get information until late April, when GSIS received a status report from Mike McDermott, the National Coordinator of the new Natural Science Network, under the USGS Geospatial Information Office. The Libraries have been placed under the Network and are in the process of being restructured to make the transition to a digital library.

About 40% of the Libraries staff (19 people) have taken an early retirement buy-out offered by the USGS. McDermott stated that there are no plans to close the Libraries. However, many users of the USGS Libraries reported significant drops in service, interlibrary loan, and additions to the collections continuing from March. 

October 2005: Information from the USGS at this time is that many staff positions will not be replaced. From a practical standpoint this means that services such as resource sharing, interlibrary loan, and reference help will be diminished or discontinued. The American Geological Institute (AGI), producers of the GeoRef database, has made plans to try to use university library collections rather than the USGS Libraries because of the cut-backs.

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