GPO and the Northwestern University Library
Open Free Web Link to Federal Information
 
        The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) has opened the first
"gateway" site in Illinois giving the public access to many of the
Nation's most important Federal documents via an Internet connection or a
phone call to the GPO Access Services.
 
        The Congressional Record, Federal Register, Congressional Bills,
Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Code and other Federal databases are now
available to off-site users on the same day of publication through the
Gateway.  The library, one in the nation's system of over 1,370 Federal
depository libraries, is offering public access to the GPO databases as
part of an expanding gateway program.
 
        "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.  Further, he says, "it
is our goal to establish local outlets to the GPO electronic system in
every State.  We want these important Government publications available to
the American public around the clock, 7 days a week."
 
        The Northwestern University Library Gateway, "GPO Access on the
Web," is the latest Federal depository library to become a gateway.  Users
may access the gateway by pointing their web browser to:
<http://www.library.nwu.edu/gpo/>.  Users of "GPO Access on the Web" may
search the databases as frequently as they like, without charge.  For
local user support, contact Cindi Wolff at 847-491-3130 or
<c-wolff@nwu.edu>.
 
        The GPO Access databases are also available for free electronic
searching at some 1,300 of the Nation's depository libraries under the
"GPO Access" program authorized by law and launched in June 1994.
 
        On December 1, 1995, the GPO announced the free use of its
award-winning GPO Access online service.  All Internet and dial-in users
can now use the GPO Access databases at no charge.  This 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.
 
        Inquiries about the availability of GPO Access services should be
directed to the GPO Access User Support Team at (888) 293-6498 (toll free)
or (202) 512-1530 (local); Fax: (202) 512-1262; or Internet e-mail:
<gpoaccess@gpo.gov>.  Questions about the service can also be directed to
a nearby Federal Depository Library.  Written information about the GPO
Access and GPO products and services can be obtained via U.S. Fax Watch,
the GPO's fax-on-demand service, by dialing (202) 512-1716.