Rita,
Thank you for your response to the Government Relations Committee message
about the impending cuts in the Depository Library Program. You ask if we
can suggest a fall back position should cuts be imposed. As you know, the
cuts are aimed to a great extent at the program's primary legal materials.
These materials are essential to the public at large, not just to law
library patrons. That is why the GRC has taken the position that a broad
spectrum of the depository community must be consulted in addressing
budgetary constraints. To date, we have concentrated our efforts on
delaying the implementation of any cuts at all until the situation can be
reviewed and assessed. Because any cuts will affect all libraries with
depository collections, not just law libraries, we have not advocated a
position particular to law libraries.
At this point, we are not prepared to say that any of the legal or
Congressional materials targeted for limited distribution could be given up
by law libraries. U.S. Reports, slip opinions, House and Senate Calendars,
Serial Set, Congressional Record, CFR, and Treaties and Other International
Acts are all used heavily by law library patrons. Assuming that a
"reprieve" is granted, and we get some time to review the situation, we
will attempt to work with the depository community at large to develop a
rational approach to the situation. We will keep you informed of
developments.
Thank you for your support. Once again, right now the best thing you can
do is to call your representatives and ask them to call Rep. Charlie Rose
and Sen. Wendell Ford and request that the Joint Committee on Printing
delay any GPO cuts until Congress reconvenes. Please contact me or Sally
Holterhoff if you have any questions.
Ruth Levor
University of San Diego Legal Research Center
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Voice (619) 260-4604
Fax (619) 260-4616
Bitnet LEVOR@ACUSD
Internet LEVOR@USDCSV.ACUSD.EDU
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