README.TXT for Archived Shipping Lists, 2005
============================================

Created: 2010/08/18
Last Updated: 2010/08/18
From the U.S. Government Printing Office, Federal Depository Library Program (fdlp.gov).


Table of Contents
-----------------

    * Introduction
    * Shipping List Types
    * File Formats
    * Definitions of the 5 Columns
    * File Naming Conventions
    * Additional Information


Introduction
------------

    This compressed file contains historical shipping lists that were distributed to Federal
    depository libraries as part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Shipping
    lists are a list of publications that are mailed to Federal depository libraries in their
    distribution boxes.


Shipping List Types
----------------------------

    The archived shipping lists have been organized into five folders; one for each type of
    shipping list:

    1. Paper (P)
    2. Electronic (E) - Tangible electronic formats (e.g., CDs and DVDs).
    3. Microfiche (MF)
    4. Separates (S)
    5. USGS (U.S. Geological Survey)


File Formats
------------

    Shipping lists for paper, electronic, microfiche, and separates are available in .dbf format. 
 
    The .dbf file format is a generic database file. Almost any database program can easily open,
    edit, and save the information contained within these files. 

    Each file only includes shipping list data for each publication. No shipping list explanatory
    text is included.

    Each .dbf file is formatted in the following five columns:
        CLASSNO | TITLE | ITEMNO | LISTNO | LISTDATE

    USGS shipping lists are in Microsoft Word format and are exact copies of the complete shipping
    list, including all the explanatory text.


Definitions of the 5 Columns
----------------------------

    CLASSNO - Superintendent of Documents classification number (or SuDocs class number)
    TITLE - Publication title
    ITEMNO - Item number
    LISTNIO - Shipping list number
    LISTDATE - Date the shipping list was issued.


File Naming Conventions
-----------------------
 
    Shipping lists for paper, electronic, microfiche, and separates are named using the
    following schema: yy####t.dbf and compiled by fiscal year (October 1st though September 30th).

        yy - 2 digit year
        #### - Shipping list number
        t - Shipping list type (e.g., p, e, m, s)

    For example, shipping list 2010-0001-P would be 100001p.dbf.

    USGS shipping lists are named in numerical order of release and arranged by calendar year.


Additional Information
----------------------

    More information on shipping lists can be found online at the FDLP Desktop at
    <http://www.fdlp.gov/collections/shipping-lists>.