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D. Publication Production and Release

By Office of Science Quality and Integrity
  1. How is the production of approved USGS publication series information products handled?
  2. Is there flexibility in publication formats of USGS publication series scientific information products?
  3. How is web-only release of science information handled?
  4. Where can I find guidance on how the USGS Publications Warehouse handles information products? [Added February 2020, updated May 2021]
  5. Who can post approved USGS publication series scientific information products to the web?
  6. How are USGS publication series scientific information products revised (if errors are identified after release) or superseded (if the information is later updated or expanded)?
  7. What is the FSP policy for the release of USGS science information in journals and other outside publications?

 

D.1. How is the production of approved USGS publication series information products handled?

Production support, including developing illustrations and graphics and design and layout for approved USGS series scientific information products (SM 1100.3) is performed by SPN staff, who work closely with authors to provide this support. Publishing guidance, tips, and templates are available from the SPN intranet website.

 

D.2. Is there flexibility in publication formats of USGS publication series scientific information products?

Yes. Although all USGS publication series scientific information products (except Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports, formerly Administrative Reports) must meet USGS Visual Identity System standards, individual products may, depending on content and length, be designed in traditional book or map formats, as posters, or as short pamphlets or fliers with minimal text and extensive use of illustrations and photographs. Regardless of the plans for final product design and formatting, authors should prepare draft manuscripts and maps by using the supported software and the appropriate SPN templates. For more information, contact your local PSC Chief.

 

D.3. How is web-only release of science information handled?

It is the content, not the format or medium of release (for example, web or print.) that affects whether the FSP review and approval process is applicable (refer to SM 205.18 and SM 502.4). USGS science information should be released in the appropriate media for the individual product and the intended audience(s).

 

D.4. Where can I find guidance on how the USGS Publications Warehouse handles information products?

Refer to the frequently asked questions about the USGS Publications Warehouse for guidance.

 

D.5. Who can post approved USGS publication series scientific information products to the web?

All USGS publication series scientific information products are posted to the web by SPN staff. As part of coordinating the release of series products, SPN staff also ensure that the scientific information products meet Section 508 accessibility and Visual Identity System standards as appropriate. Science Centers may link to and add USGS publication references in their project and center web pages. Persistent URLs for official USGS publications are available in the USGS Publications Warehouse (this is semiautomated in the new Drupal sites for general content, but scientists may reference publications in other web pages as well).

 

D.6. How are USGS publication series scientific information products revised (if errors are identified after release) or superseded (if the information is later updated or expanded)?

Considerations and steps for revising and superseding USGS publication series scientific information products are as follows.

  • Revising: Although a few USGS publication series scientific information products are designed to be updated periodically with numbered versions, most products are not—the first version of most products should be the only version. Nevertheless, errors sometimes are discovered after publication and in many instances, need to be corrected. SPN editors can provide guidance for revising published products.
  • Superseding: A USGS publication series scientific information product may, with Center Director concurrence based on justification provided by the author or other scientist associated with the study, be superseded by a new product published in the same series, in a different series, or outside the USGS. For example, a book or map released in the USGS Open-File Report series may be superseded by a book or map released in the USGS Scientific Investigations Report series, the USGS Scientific Investigations Map series, the USGS Techniques and Methods series, the USGS Circular series, or the USGS Professional Paper series. A notice is added to both the web citation page for the new product (if the new product is a USGS publication) and the citation page for the superseded product, each providing a link to the other page. Because superseded products have been officially released (published) by the USGS, may have been assigned Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), and may have been cited in other publications, access to superseded online and print (if applicable) versions is maintained, and the products will continue to be retrievable through Publications Warehouse and USGS Library searches. SPN editors can provide guidance for superseding published products.

For more information or assistance regarding procedures for revising or superseding USGS publication series products, contact your local PSC Chief. For information about revising USGS data releases, refer to FAQ to E.2.C.

 

D.7. What is the FSP policy for the release of USGS science information in journals and other outside publications?

Use of external venues to convey USGS science is encouraged, and as with information products released by the USGS, the review and approval requirements for external information products are governed by FSP. As a public agency, the USGS has a responsibility to make the results of its scientific investigations widely and promptly available to the public in the form of technically sound and professionally presented information products (including journals, society publications, cooperator publications, and commercial publishing houses). External information outlets effectively broaden the stature and impact of USGS science to benefit society and generate support and partnerships for USGS programs and scientists. Refer to SM 1100.4 for policy on the use of outside publications.

 

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