Environmental Protection Agency Library Network

Synopsis

Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) library network provides staff and the public with access to environmental information. Its 26 libraries contain a wide range of information and resources and are located at headquarters, regional offices, research centers, and laboratories nation-wide. In 2006, EPA issued a plan to reorganize the network beginning in fiscal year 2007.The plan proposed closing libraries and dispersing, disposing of, and digitizing library materials. GAO was asked to assess: the status of, and plans for, the network reorganization; EPA's rationale for reorganizing the network; the extent to which EPA has communicated with and solicited the views of EPA staff and external stakeholders in, conducting the reorganization; EPA's steps to maintain the quality of library services after the reorganization; and, how EPA is funding the network and its reorganization. For this study, GAO reviewed pertinent EPA documents and interviewed EPA officials and staff from each of the libraries.