------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 13:16:35 -0500
To: xxxxxx@maat.reeusda.gov,
Subject: Press Release: GPO Access Services Free as of December 1, 1995
From: "Judith C. Russell" <xxxxxx@gpo.gov>

The attached Press Release was just distributed by the GPO Office of
Congressional, Legislative and Public Affairs.  It announces free public
access to the GPO Access services effective December 1, 1995.

*********************************************************************

NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Government Printing Office

For Release:  IMMEDIATE
 December 1, 1995

Release No. 95-33
Contact: 202-512-1991

GPO ACCESS NOW FREE!
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO INTERNET/DIAL-IN USERS

The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) announces free use
of its award-winning GPO Access online service beginning
December 1, 1995.  All Internet and dial-in users can now
receive electronically, at no charge, the Congressional
Record, Federal Register, congressional bills, and a growing
list of important government documents on the same day of
publication.

"We believe the public should have timely access to vital
information about the activities of their government without
charge," says head of the GPO, Public Printer Michael F.
DiMario.  "This service is made possible through the
congressional funding of the Federal Depository Library
Program at a time when more and more citizens are receiving
their information by computer."

The GPO Access service was created by an Act of Congress in
1993 and went online in June 1994.  The service earned the
1994 Federal Technology Leadership Award and a 1995 James
Madison Award sponsored by the Coalition on Government
Information.

Until now, GPO Access has been free only to users on-site in
some 600 of the Nation's nearly 1,400 Federal Depository
Libraries and to remote users connecting through over 20
depository library "gateways."  It was available to others
on a subscription basis for a low fee.  Under the new
program, the subscription fee has been dropped and refunds
of unused portions will be sent to current subscribers.

DiMario emphasizes that depository libraries will continue
as an essential link between GPO Access and the public.
"Citizens lacking either computers or computer skills can
visit a local depository for assistance," he explains.

The new system now gives equal and free access to those
utilizing a depository library and to those who are linked
already by dial-up or Internet connections to electronic
information.  As the Federal Depository Library Program
becomes more electronic in nature, additional databases will
be available through GPO Access. Since its creation in 1994,
the number of databases offered online via GPO Access has
increased from seven to more than two dozen.

Government databases can be reached via the Internet or by
dial-in through a modem.

 Internet users can access the databases with a
 World Wide Web browser through the Superintendent
 of Documents' home page at:
 http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/ or with
 WAIS client software.

 Internet users can also telnet to
 swais.access.gpo.gov; then login as guest.

 Dial-in users should use a modem to call
 202-512-1661; type swais and then login as guest.

In more than 20 States, users with modems can connect to GPO
Access through depository library "gateways" with a local
phone call.  Listings of depository libraries and "gateways"
can be found on the Superintendent of Documents' home page.

General information on accessing these databases is
available by:

 e-mail - xxxxxx@eids05.eids.gpo.gov

 phone - 202-512-1530

 fax - 202-512-1262

Questions about the GPO Access service can also be directed
to a nearby Federal Depository Library.  At least one such
library is located in each congressional district.

*********************************************************************
Judy Russell (xxxxxx@gpo.gov)
Electronic Information Dissemination Services (EIDS)
Mail Stop SDE
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, DC  20401
Phone: 202/512-1622; Fax: 202/512-1262

For Orders & Assistance contact the GPO Access User Support Team:
xxxxxx@eids05.eids.gpo.gov; fax 202/512-1262 or phone 202/512-1530

xxxxxx@eids05.eids.gpo.gov; fax 202/512-1262 or phone 202/512-1530

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