TRB FAQs on getting publications to TRB Core Program sponsors:
…to the right people, at the right time, in the right format (hard copy or electronic)

Questions

1. What is the objective of the on demand delivery program?
2. What are the basics of the program?
3. I have a question not covered by this FAQ document, who should I contact?
4. Are PDF formatted publications the only form of electronic publications TRB will be making available?
5. Who is eligible to participate in the current subscription package?
6. How can I order multiple printed copies of this report?
7. I am a contractor for a TRB Core Program sponsor, am I eligible to participate in this test?
8. How long will I have to wait before I receive the publication I ordered?

Answers

1. What is the objective of the on demand delivery program?

TRB’s on demand publication delivery program is responding to the results of a survey sent out to many TRB Sponsors where 85% stated they would find it valuable or very valuable to allow staff to opt for electronic delivery only. The program was tested in 2011 to see whether sponsors can switch to an “electronic-first, hardcopy as needed” model. The program was made permanent in 2012.

2. What are the basics of the program?

Sponsors of TRB’s Core Programs will still receive any number of full sets of hardcopy TRB publications (~200 titles/yr) in a library or other central research department location. TRB is – by request and participation of Core Program sponsors – experimenting with not sending hardcopy subscriptions direct to DOT staff in lieu of first focusing on electronic versions of publications, and also being able to order single hardcopy publications on an as needed basis without restriction.

The program is based on early notification of new TRB publications via the weekly TRB eNewsletter or RSS feeds, and each notification will contain direct links to the online versions of publications plus a link to a form that allows for the ordering of individual printed copies of a publication.

3. I have a question not covered by this FAQ document, who should I contact?

There are several sources you can contact regarding this program: your TRB state representative and/or your research library will have knowledge and background on program, and in TRB you can contact Russell Houston (RHouston@nas.edu, 202-334-3252).

4. Are PDF formatted publications the only form of electronic publications TRB will be making available?

For now, yes. But TRB is currently investigating and testing other electronic formats, including those compatible with the iPad, Kindle, Sony eReader, etc.

5. Who is eligible to participate in the current subscription package?

All employees of TRB sponsors.

6. How can I order multiple printed copies of this report?

The current online form only allows for one hardcopy to be ordered at a time. For multiple copies, please send an e-mail note to TRBSales@nas.edu.

7. I am a contractor for a TRB Core Program sponsor, am I eligible to participate in this test?

No. Only orders to employees of TRB Core Program sponsors using a sponsoring agency email with sponsoring agency postage addresses will be fulfilled.

8. How long will I have to wait before I receive the publication I ordered?

Orders will be placed within two business of receiving the requests. Normal mailing times then apply.