through a strictly focused acquisitions policy which will not compromise service but will allow for the continued purchase of core materials as the costs increase.

Library Relocation

The Library staff and the Architect of Capitol completed preliminary design plans in September 1997 for the new Russell building facility and the Capitol suites. The design firm of Meyer, Sherer and Rockcastle of Minneapolis will assist in the planning of both the Russell building and the restoration of the Library's third floor Capitol rooms. The Russell building work began in late December 1997 and completion of the project is scheduled for February 1999. The facility will use compact shelving, provide work areas for 20 Library employees and reading sites for 14 Senate staff. Upon completion, the entire Library staff and collection will move to the Russell building and the renovation will begin on the Library's Capitol rooms. That work will include upgrades to air handling and electrical systems, extensive plaster work and new shelving. The proposed completion date for the Capitol project is August 1999. With the two facilities, the Library will continue to provide high quality information services to both the Capitol and the Senate office buildings.

Information Services

Activity for 1997 remained at a high level with over 46,000 requests answered, over 7,000 items delivered and 5,200 faxes sent. In addition, nearly 9,000 patrons used Library materials in the Reading Room and staff provided over 41,000 legal, news and business database searches. Increased use of improved online systems, particularly LIS, by Senate staff provided quality information resources to the Library and to the entire Senate. Library service was greatly enhanced through the use of electronic mail, faxing by personal computer and the installation of a patron terminal.

Technical Services

In mid-September, DataTrek, the integrated library system, collapsed from a power supply failure to the server. The reason for the power interruptions was not determined, though several system and plug-in boards were corrupted. After 11 weeks of attempted solutions, INET and the Senate Computer Center finally decided to replace the server, which brought the system back online. During that time, work backlogs affected every aspect of operations including cataloging, loan records, overdue notices, acquisitions, and subscriptions check in. Once operational, the backlog was completely erased through very dedicated efforts of the Technical Services staff.

The Library has also instituted several new and efficient acquisitions procedures. The Internet is now a purchasing tool for missing and out of print books and also a primary source for government documents. When these government documents are downloaded for the collection, the website is included in the catalog record. Thirdly, the direct delivery of newspapers to the Library has streamlined the claiming of missing issues.

Acquisitions is being impacted by the continued reduction in government printing, the increased use of microfiche and the increase in desktop publishing in Congressional offices. These developments have placed additional burdens on libraries hoping to maintain their collections. The issues include limited numbers of paper copies being printed, unpredictable distribution and unreliable Internet sources. The Library makes a concerted effort to secure copies of essential documents, but we are discovering that many escape our best efforts, potentially affecting the quality of the collection. The Library's comprehensive legislative collections have always served as the Senate's internal archives, and as offices, particularly committees, cope with limited space, the quality and continuity of that collection becomes increasingly more important.

The 6,700 bibliographic records which were produced and added to the catalog in 1997 was an increase of 16 percent over last year. Technical Services production was especially impressive when considering the technical problems encountered during the fourth quarter. Major cataloging efforts were directed towards older materials with the long range goal of having the entire collection accessible online. Currently, patron access to the Library's online catalog is limited to terminals in the Library and a near term goal is to provide access to all Senate staff through Webster.

OFFICE OF THE SENATE CHIEF COUNSEL FOR EMPLOYMENT

The Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment (SCCE) is a non-partisan office established at the direction of the Joint Leadership in 1993 after enactment of the Government Employee Rights Act (GERA), which allowed Senate employees

to file claims of employment discrimination against Senate offices. The Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA) applies the requirements, responsibilities and obligations of 11 employment laws to Senate offices. The SCCE provides legal advice and representation of Senate offices in CAA matters.

Background

Each of the SCCE attorneys came to the office after having practiced as employment law litigators in major national law firms representing Fortune 100 corporations. The services the office provides are the same legal services the attorneys provided their clients while in private practice. The activities of the SCCE during 1997 can be divided into the following categories: Litigation (Defending Against Lawsuits), Legal Negotiations of Settlements of Threatened or Extant Lawsuits, Preventive Legal Advice, Union Drives and Negotiations, OSHA/ADA, Layoffs and Office Closings, Management Training and Administrative/Miscellaneous Matters. Litigation (Defending Against Lawsuits)

During 1997, the SCCE represented employing offices of the Senate in hearings, proceedings, investigations, and negotiations relating to labor and employment laws. Legal Negotiations of Settlements and Preventive Meetings

At times, a Senate office will become aware that an employee is contemplating suing, and the office will request the SCCE's legal advice or that the SCCE negotiate with the employee's attorney to obviate the need for litigation.

On a daily basis, the SCCE advises and meets with Members, chiefs of staff, and office managers at their request. The purposes of the advice and meetings are to prevent litigation and to minimize liability in the event of litigation. Since January 1997, the SCCE has had more than 1,671 conferences and over 386 meetings.

Union Drives and Negotiations

During 1997, the SCCE represented Senate offices in connection with union drives. One drive is ongoing.

OSHA/ADA

In January 1997, OSHA and titles II and III of the ADA became applicable to the Senate. The SCCE provides advice and assistance to Senate offices by assisting them with complying with the applicable OSHA and ADA regulations, representing them during Office of Compliance inspections, advising State offices on the preparation of the Office of Compliance's Home State OSHA/ADA Inspection Questionnaires, and assisting offices in the preparation of Emergency Action Plans. Senate offices request the SCCE to provide legal representation during such inspections to ensure that they comply with the law and that the Office of Compliance does not exceed its jurisdiction.

Layoffs and Office Closings

The SCCE has provided legal advice and strategy to individual Senate offices and Committees regarding how to minimize legal liability in compliance with the law when offices reduce their forces.

In addition, pursuant to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), offices that are closing must follow certain procedures for notifying their employees of the closing and for transitioning them out of the office. The SCCE tracks office closings and notifies those offices of their legal obligations under the WARN.

Management Training

The SCCE gives legal advice seminars to Chiefs of Staff and Office Managers on a group basis to inform them of their legal duties and responsibilities under the CAA During 1997, the office averaged two seminars per month. The topics addressed in the seminars were: preventing and addressing sexual harassment; complying with the Family and Medical Leave Act; complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act; rights and obligations under union laws; complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act; advertising, interviewing and hiring without violating the law. The office also writes and distributes reference manuals to educate managers about their obligations under employment laws.

in an attempt to find a more efficient and cost-effective way of providing Members' state offices with this necessary training, the SCCE has begun broadcasug its seminars to the state offices live via the Internet. The broadcast is both audio and visual, and it allows two-way communications.

SZY revices assistance Senate offices by preparing employee handbooks, the vices supervisors manuals, sample job descriptions, interviewing guideDan drns to assist Senate offices in complying with employbus dus su Dereoy minimizing the potential for litigation.

*Sus views al regulators issued by the Office of Compliance and adNow is a whether the regulations should be approved, modified, or not

OFFICE OF CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION

The Office of Conservation and Preservation develops and coordinates programs are waved 2 de onservation and preservation of Senate records and mateHaus or which Dhe Secretary of the Senate has statutory authority. Initiatives inOlive mass veaculicston, conservation of books and documents, collection surveys, sau amlingency planning for disaster response and recovery.

Wors prepared for Senate Leadership

For more than twenty years the office has bound a copy "Washington's Farewell Address" or "de annus Washington's Farewell Address ceremony. In 1997, the volune was bound or and read by Senator Bill Frist.

A. De recove of the Secretary of the Senate, and through the Office of InterParametary Services, marbled paper slipcases were fabricated for the book, "The Cited States Capo Photographs" by Fred J. Maroon, and these were presented 18 Symones during Senate trips.

A. De request of the Senate Democratic Leadership, 125 folders were embossed à de name of each Senator. At the request of the Secretary of the Senate, 100 s were embossed with each Senator's name and home state. Four hundred Our Hems were matted and framed, including resolutions, photographs, letmes, and photographic compilations for five different Senators.

The office assisted the Inaugural Committee by matting and embossing 305 photos, and embossing 15 photo albums for the Joint Committee on Inaugurations. Somate Library

In 1997, conservation treatments were completed for 225 volumes of a 7,000 volume collection. The office also prepared and sent 609 books from the Senate Library to the Government Printing Office (GPO) for binding.

In consultation with the Senate Librarian, monies from the Book Preservation Pand helped the Senate Library purchase replacement copies for the Statutes at Large

Office of the Senate Curator

The office assisted the Office of the Senate Curator in the preparation and installation of two exhibits on Isaac Bassert, former doorkeeper, and Arthur Scott, Senate photographer.

The office also assisted the Office of the Senate Curator and Senator Hutchison's Office with matting and framing of 15 historical engravings, 7 oversize Audubon prints, and 19 architectural drawings, for display in the Senate Courtyard conference rooms, located on the west front of the U.S. Capitol.

Historical Office

This year the office undertook the posterity binding of two oral history interviews: Brian Hallen, former Senate Enrolling Clerk and William A. Ridgely, former Senate Financial Clerk and Assistant Secretary of the Senate.

Miscellaneous Projects

The office continues to utilize our spray deacidification system, encapsulator, and dry mounting press. This year the office deacidified 49 items, encapsulated 51 items, and dry mounted 156 items.

For the Senate Photographic Studio, the office embossed 22 photo albums illustrating a congressional trip to Europe. For Senator Kerrey of Nebraska, our office fabricated a blue leather retirement book to be presented to Senator Exon of Nebraska. For Senator Abraham of Michigan, our office embossed a condolence book for the Princess of Wales. For Senator Cleland of Georgia, our office matted and framed a needlepoint and a photograph to be presented to the White House.

The office continues conservation treatment of appropriation bills from 1877-1943. This year the office completed 49 books. There are approximately 300 books remain

ing for treatment. These books are a part of the Appropriations Committee collection.

OFFICE OF SENATE SECURITY

The Office of Senate Security (OSS) is responsible for the administration of classified information, personnel security, counterintelligence and classified computer security programs in Senate offices and committees. OSS also serves as the Senate's liaison to the Executive Branch in matters relating to the security of classified information in the Senate.

Classified Meetings

OSS secure conference facilities were used on 947 occasions during 1997. This is a 34.5 percent increase in the use of OSS facilities over 1996 levels.

Document Control

Classified document transactions continue to increase. OSS completed 7,875 document transactions for calendar year 1997, which is an increase of 13.8 percent over 1996 levels.

Personnel Security

OSS workload in the personnel security area remained steady during 1997. Personnel security investigations were initiated on 158 Senate employees. Of those investigations, 47 were "periodic reinvestigations" to update security clearances granted five or more years ago. 109 investigations were completed, and the remainder of the investigations (49) are pending completion by the Department of Defense or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Security Education

OSS conducted or hosted 67 security briefings for Senate staff. Topics covered included: security managers' responsibilities, office security management, and introductory security briefings.

SENATE STATIONERY ROOM

The Senate Stationery Room's principal functions are to provide for sale stationery items for the use of Senate offices and others authorized to use the service, to maintain an inventory and select a variety of stationery items adequate to meet the needs of the Senate personnel and purchase supplies either through competitive bids, GSA or special orders for these same items, to maintain individual stationery accounts for Senators, Committees, Officers, etc., and to issue bills and statements and receive reimbursement for all purchases, to deliver merchandise to Senatorial offices, and to advertise for bids and award contracts for Senate stationery supplies.

The statistical operations of the Stationery Room for fiscal year 1997 saw increases in all categories from the last fiscal year. Gross sales were up by $281,914. Sales transactions were up by 1,200. Purchase orders generated were up by 1,042. Vouchers processed for vendor payments were up by 587. Metro Fare Media sold were up by 77.

For fiscal year 1997, staffing level for the Stationery Room remained at fifteen, which is down by four staff positions since fiscal year 1994. The Stationery Room personnel continue to take on multiple job assignments when staff shortages exist due to illness or vacation.

The Stationery Room customer base consists of approximately 242 offices and other legislative organizations which are located in nine buildings, many of which have multiple locations. In addition to offices with official requirements, the Stationery Room also accommodates personal purchases from employees within the legislative community.

The Stationery Room carries nearly 1,290 items, supplied by approximately 200 vendors.

Fiscal year 1997 was a very busy and productive year for the Stationery Room staff. First and foremost was the production of a welcome package which was pre

sented to each new Senator at the orientation program. This package consisted of information about the Stationery Room and its polices and procedures.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 1997, the Stationery Room was the recipient of the 1996 Outstanding Sales and Service Award presented by the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority for its participation in the Federal Metropool Program.

Considerable time was spent during fiscal year 1997 to develop a plan of action for the implementation of new technology transitions that will occur by the end of fiscal year 1998. This plan has been devised to provide the least disruption to the Stationery Room customers, while providing for the office's transition into the 21st century.

INTERPARLIAMENTARY SERVICES

The Office of Interparliamentary Services has completed its 16th year of operation as a department of the Secretary of the Senate. IPS is responsible for administrative, financial, and protocol functions for all interparliamentary conferences in which the Senate participates by statute, or on an ad hoc basis, and for special delegations authorized by the Majority and/or Minority Leaders. The office also provides appropriate assistance as requested to other Senate delegations.

The statutory interparliamentary conferences are: North Atlantic Assembly; Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group; Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group; Interparliamentary Union; and British-American Parliamentary Group. In May, the 36th Annual Meeting of the Mexico-U.S. Interparliamentary Group was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Arrangements for this successful event were handled by the IPS staff.

As in previous years, all foreign travel authorized by the Leadership was arranged by the IPS staff. In addition to official delegations, IPS provided assistance for 17 individual foreign trips by Members. Several other trips were scheduled, but were canceled or postponed after most of the advance work had been completed. Also, Senators and staff authorized by Committees for foreign travel continued to call upon this office for assistance with passports, visas, travel arrangements and reporting requirements.

IPS receives and prepares for printing the quarterly financial reports for foreign travel from all committees in the Senate. In addition to preparing the quarterly reports for the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader, and the President Pro Tempore, IPS staff also assist Senate staff and committees in filling out the required reports. Known to many in the Senate as the "protocol office," Interparliamentary Services maintains regular contact with the Office of the Chief of Protocol, the Department of State, and with foreign Embassy officials. Official foreign visitors are frequently received in this office and assistance is provided to them by the IPS staff. The staff continues to work closely with other offices of the Secretary of the Senate and the Sergeant at Arms in arranging programs for foreign visitors. In addition, IPS is frequently consulted by individual Senators' offices on a broad range of protocol questions. Occasional questions come from state officials or the general public regarding Congressional protocol.

On behalf of the Leadership, the staff arranges receptions in the Senate for heads of state, foreign dignitaries and parliamentary delegations. Required records of expenditures on behalf of foreign visitors pursuant to section 2 of Public Law 10071 are maintained in the Office of Interparliamentary Services.

Planning is underway for the 39th Annual Meeting of the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group which will be held in 1998. Also, in 1998, advance work, including site inspection, will be undertaken for the 38th Annual Mexico-U.S. Interparliamentary Group Meeting and the 1999 British-American Parliamentary Group Meeting, both to be held in the United States.

SENATE GIFT SHOP

The Senate Gift Shop, established in October of 1992, provides a variety of gift items and products, many of which contain educational and historical information pertinent to the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Congress. Gift Shop services are available to Congressional members, staff, constituents and visiting tourists.

Two of the most successful new items offered in 1997 were the 105th Congressional Plate and the Capitol Box. These items were created and marketed to benefit the Capitol Preservation Commission and assist in raising the awareness of the Capitol Visitor Center Project.

This year marked the completion of the four-year series of the Congressional Holiday Ornaments (1994-1997). The 1997 ornament proved to be one of the most popular ornaments of the series. The Gift Shop is now planning a new four year series