[StateGIS] FW: USGS copper engraving plates

[Erin Seaman]

Message forwarded at the request of Danielle Favreau:

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----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Christopher Thiry <cthiry at mines.edu>
To: Air Photo Maps, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <MAPS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>, WAML <waml at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:35:00 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: USGS copper engraving plates

All,

Below is the announcement regarding the disposal of USGS' copper engraving plates for the older maps. (it came out last month)

USGS is currently taking requests from federal agencies. On/about June 24, USGS will open up for requests from state agencies (and alike).
This window will be open for only about 3 weeks. After that time, the plates will be offered at auction to the general public. I figure that once in the public hands they will a) never been seen outside of collector's houses or b) MELTED DOWN for the copper.

If your institution has ANY interest, get the ball rolling NOW!!!
You must get registered with your state disposition of property people. (Your library may already be on the list). The state agencies will make requests for the items; you cannot ask directly.

The bad news: the plates are in Virginia and you would be responsible for PACKAGING and shipping. Not sure how to do that, but somehow we will.

The ftp at the bottom of the email has a document with a link to your state agency and the first list of items available.

It would be a bloody shame if these relics are melted down for scrap.

Christopher J.J. Thiry
Map Librarian
Colorado School of Mines
1400 Illinois
Golden, CO 80401
p. 303-273-3697
f. 303-273-3199
cthiry at mines.edu<mailto:cthiry at mines.edu>
http://library.mines.edu/

There will be an opportunity to obtain copper plates that were part of the map production process. Here is additional information that was sent forward:


USGS is in the process of dealing with the vast store of copper plates we have in our warehouse. We have arrived at the point where these will be made available per government rules and regulations. Below is a brief description of the effort and the process to be followed.
There are links to more information as well.

USGS is reaching out to a number of societies and associations to make them aware of this opportunity as well. If you are aware of any such groups that would be interested, please let me know.

This process is to be conducted by GSA and we are required to follow it. Please use the points of contact shown in the information below for communication. Partners should not be calling anyone at USGS to pursue this opportunity.

*******************************************************************************

Engravings of USGS Maps and Other Illustrations to be Available for Transfer, Donation, or Sale

Beginning this summer the Federal Government will release excess engravings once used to reproduce U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic and geologic maps and other scientific illustrations.

The process makes these unique engravings, created from the 1880s to the 1950s, available for transfer to Federal agencies; for donation to State and local governments, certain non-profit educational and other organizations, and public agencies; and for sale to the public.

Those interested in obtaining engravings need to understand the phases of the process; know how to request the engravings; plan the logistics to receive, pack, load, and transport them; and be ready to request a donation or to make a purchase offer when the engravings become available.

More information about the engravings and the process for transfer, donation, or sales of the engravings is available through ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/er/va/reston/Engravings/.

State and local governments, certain non-profit educational and other organizations, and public agencies interested in receiving a donation should establish their eligibility now with their State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP). The SASPs are listed at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100851. Only the SASP can request a donation on your behalf.

The engravings will be available through a process managed by the U.S.
General Services Administration (GSA).

USGS will post supporting status information weekly through ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/er/va/reston/Engravings/.


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Geoscience resource for maps and related data http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/

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David Percy ("Percy")
-Geospatial Data Manager
-Web Map Wrangler
-GIS Instructor
Portland State University
-gisgeek.pdx.edu
-geology.pdx.edu
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