[gis_info] Fwd: FW: USGS copper engraving plates

David Percy percyd at pdx.edu
Thu Jun 12 08:47:37 PDT 2014


If anyone is interested in these old copper plates, it's time to act!
:-)


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Doug Behm <dbehm at fa.ua.edu>
Date: Thu, Jun 12, 2014 at 6:03 AM
Subject: FW: USGS copper engraving plates
To: DIGIMAP at listserv.ua.edu


=============================================================================

----- 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/.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
-portlandpulse.org



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