The United States Government Manual 1997/1998, Preface, Contents

The United States Government Manual 1997/1998

Office of the Federal Register

National Archives and Records Administration

Revised May 30, 1997

Raymond A. Mosley,

Director of the Federal Register.

John W. Carlin,

Archivist of the United States.

On the Cover: Jackie Robinson as a Brooklyn Dodger infielder (from the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration's Still Pictures Branch, 306-PS-50-4370).

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) joins the Nation in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's breaking the color barrier in major league baseball. NARA's mission is to ensure access to essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience through its nationwide system of repositories, public programs, and Federal Register publications. Records from NARA's holdings reflect that Robinson's contributions extended well beyond the playing field to the larger field of law and government. Every American President who held office between 1956 and 1972 received letters from Jackie Robinson expressing the passionate and, at times, combative spirit with which Robinson worked to remove the racial barriers in American society so that all citizens would receive rights guaranteed by the Constitution. For more information on Jackie Robinson's legacy as seen through Federal records, visit NARA's Digital Classroom exhibit, Jackie Robinson: Beyond the Playing Field (Internet, http://www.nara.gov/education/), a collection of correspondence, photographs, and three lesson plans that focus on civil rights history, character education values, and civic responsibility.

Special thanks to CMG Worldwide and the Robinson family for their cooperation and permission to use the Jackie Robinson image and the 50th anniversary logo on this year's Manual cover.

For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office

Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328

Preface

As the official handbook of the Federal Government, The United States Government Manual provides comprehensive information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The Manual also includes information on quasi-official agencies; international organizations in which the United States participates; and boards, commissions, and committees.

A typical agency description includes a list of principal officials, a summary statement of the agency's purpose and role in the Federal Government, a brief history of the agency, including its legislative or executive authority, a description of its programs and activities, and a

``Sources of Information'' section. This last section provides information on consumer activities, contracts and grants, employment, publications, and many other areas of public interest.

The 1997/98 Manual was prepared by the Presidential and Legislative Publications Unit, Office of the Federal Register. Maxine L. Hill was Team Leader, and Karen L. Ashlin was Managing Editor, assisted by Brad Brooks...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT