The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) is not just a printing operation. It is an information dissemination organization that provides data created by the government in various formats, from printed books to online portals. With 426 employees in its plant and $121 million in annual revenue produced internally, the GPO has topped the ranking of the largest in-plants every year for decades. But how does the GPO balance tradition with technology in the changing landscape of information consumption?
The Challenge of Covid-19
The pandemic changed GPO in ways that continue to this day. GPO was one of the first federal agencies to implement a full-time telework and remote work policy. Today, about a third of GPO workers are doing telework.
This posed a challenge for the GPO, which had to maintain its high standards of quality and timeliness in delivering government information. For example, every night, GPO’s staff assembles the proceedings of all sessions of Congress into the Congressional Record, which must be printed, bound, and delivered prior to the start of the new legislative day. This can be a tall order, as the average Record is 90 pages, but it can exceed 300 pages. GPO prints about 1,500 copies overnight, while also printing the Federal Register, bills, statutes, House and Senate calendars, the U.S. Code, and more.
To cope with the pandemic, the GPO leveraged its technology and infrastructure to enable remote work and collaboration. It also implemented safety measures and protocols to protect its essential workers who had to be on-site. The GPO was able to continue its mission without compromising its quality or efficiency.
The Shift to Digital
The GPO is not only a printer, but also a provider of digital information. It operates GovInfo.gov, a website that allows free public access to government data in various formats, such as PDF, XML, and HTML. It also digitizes printed information from the past, such as historic volumes of the Congressional Directory and the public papers of presidents.
The GPO recognizes that printing is no longer the only way to share government information, and that digital formats offer more accessibility and flexibility. The GPO has been investing in digital technologies and platforms, such as production inkjet presses, XML publishing, and cloud computing, to enhance its capabilities and services.
The GPO also collaborates with other federal agencies and institutions, such as the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Smithsonian Institution, to digitize and preserve government information and make it available to the public.
The Future of GPO
The GPO is not resting on its laurels. It is constantly looking for ways to improve its processes and products, and to meet the evolving needs and expectations of its customers and stakeholders. The GPO is exploring new technologies and innovations, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and 3D printing, to enhance its information dissemination and security.
The GPO is also committed to its environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It has implemented green initiatives, such as recycling, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, to reduce its environmental impact. It has also supported various causes and communities, such as veterans, education, and diversity, through its outreach and engagement programs.
The GPO is not just a printing operation. It is an information dissemination organization that balances tradition with technology. It is a vital asset to the country and its democracy.
