FSP FAQs: USGS Publication Series
Fundamental Science Practices for Science Publishing Network production and publication of all USGS Series product types; includes information on revising a product post-publication.
What are the editing requirements for USGS science information products? [043]
Editing of USGS publication series scientific information products is required and must be coordinated or performed by the USGS Science Publishing Network (SPN). Review by SPN editors for other science information products, such as outside publications and web pages, is recommended but optional. [Read more]
How do I get started if I’m planning to write a manuscript to publish as a USGS publication series information product? [191]
Refer to USGS series descriptions (their intent, audience, format) and discuss series options with your Science Center, Bureau Approving Official, and local Publishing Service Center Chief to determine which USGS series is appropriate to use for your published information product. [Read more]
Where can information about USGS publication series be found? [190]
USGS series information products consist of a Professional Paper, Scientific Investigations Report, Scientific Investigations Map, Data Report, Techniques and Methods, Circular, Fact Sheet, General Information Product, or limited-use Open-File Report. [Read more]
How is the production of approved USGS publication series information products handled? [079]
Production support, including illustrations, graphics, design, and layout for approved USGS series scientific information products is performed by SPN staff working closely with authors. [Read more]
Is there flexibility in publication formats of USGS publication series scientific information products? [080]
Yes. Although all USGS publication series scientific information products (except Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports) must meet USGS Visual Identity System standards, individual products may be designed with minimal text and extensive use of images. Contact your local PSC Chief. [Read more]
Where can I find guidance on how the USGS Publications Warehouse handles information products? [081]
Refer to the frequently asked questions about the USGS Publications Warehouse for guidance.
How are USGS publication series scientific information products revised (if errors are identified after release) or superseded (if the information is later updated or expanded)? [082]
Revising: A few USGS Series publications are designed to be periodically updated (versioning) – but most are not. Superseding: A USGS Series publication may, with Center Director concurrence, be superseded by a new product. Access to superseded versions is maintained. [Read more]
Who can post approved USGS publication series scientific information products to the web? [084]
All USGS publication series scientific information products are posted to the web by SPN staff. Science Centers may link to and add USGS publication references in their project and center web pages. [Read more]
What is the difference between a cooperator publication and a USGS Restricted-File Federal Interagency Report (RFFIR)? [188]
A cooperator publication with scientific contributions from USGS authors is released by the cooperator on a publicly accessible website and is citable. Conversely, RFFIRs are limited-use USGS publication series information products prepared by the USGS and provided as confidential communications only to other government or international entities, and are not citable. [Read more]
How are FSP and the Science Publishing Network (SPN) requirements related? [008]
FSP requires that USGS scientific information products conform with established USGS publishing requirements and procedures for production and release; the SPN is the Bureau’s organizational unit that is the sole source for providing publishing support services and related needs. [Read More]
What are the entities for which I can and cannot prepare RFFIRs? [152]
The Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIR) series is to be used for confidential communication between USGS and a U.S. Government agency, foreign government or agency, or international entity funding partner. RFFIRs cannot be produced for private communications. [Read more]
Can I cite or index RFFIRs on a USGS public-facing web page? [151]
Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports (RFFIRs) are not to be referenced, posted, or indexed on USGS public-facing web pages or included in a list of publications on individual staff profile pages. Because RFFIRs are not citable, they are not to be indexed in the USGS Publications Warehouse or included in a list of publications on individual staff profile pages.