Proceedings

Cover

Contents

The Field Of Education In The National Parks

The Educational Program And Its Place In National Parks Administration

Museums In The National Parks

Planning A Park Museum

Museum Technique

Administration Of Park Museums

Nature Trails

Exhibits In Place

Guiding In The National Parks

Lectures In National Parks

Scientific Aspects Of The Park Protection Program

The Research Program In The National Parks

Use Of Recorded Scientific Data

Research Reserves

Publications

Libraries In The National Parks

Photography And Visual Education

General Administrative Problems

Proceedings Of The First Park Naturalists' Training Conference Held At Educational Headquarters, Berkeley, California: November 1-30, 1929

PUBLICATIONS

GENERAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

By Geo. L. Collins

Under this heading we have at present publications of a rather popular nature -- that is, park information circulars, the National parks Portfolio and various maps; all of which embody good information, have a general appeal and are either distributed free or at as small a cost as is possible.

The Circulars of General Information probably have a wider distribution and possibly a greater indirect advertising value than any other of the park publications. They are necessarily small, as contents must be concise; their free distribution imposes restrictions in printing costs. Yet this same smallness in size is a contributing factor to their popularity as handbooks. I have noticed that a large percentage of Lassen visitors actually do read these little circulars for the interesting information contained therein.

I would suggest that the introduction of a little more variety in the text of these circulars could be done to their added interest - I have in mind here brief lessons in woodsmanship.

In the case of the Lassen Circular there have been some minor mistakes which have slightly shaded its value.

The park naturalist works closer to his park than most other employees and his particular qualifications fit him well for the job of submitting to the editor authentic data suitable for this publication. But this, I believe, has seldom actually been done in the past.

It has been my experience that the National Parks Portfolio moves rather slowly for the value offered. This is probably because not enough advertising or salesmanship is used in its disposal. The Portfolio subject matter could be better arranged in order that each park should be given an almost equal amount of space, to be filled with illustrations and type matter according to what would be necessary in order to make each separate park appear of about the same value. As it is at present, a discrimination is rather pronounced which does not help the smaller parks that are struggling to get ahead.

Good maps, of course, always are indispensable to the interested visitor. Their value, sale and use are assured.

Discussion:

Chairman Hall brought up the question of who should be reached by the General Park Information Circulars.

Conclusions:

(1) The circular of information provides an introduction to the park, possibly even before visitors enter.

(2) The information circular aids the visitor to become oriented while in the park.

(3) The general information circular serves as a key to further references.

After discussion, it was agreed that it would be advisable for the park naturalists to study the general information circulars for their individual parks and to write or rewrite sections pertaining to the interpretation of park features.

It was agreed that each park information circular should have a section devoted to brief descriptions of the park flora, fauna, geology, and other scientific features.

The chairman stressed the importance of revising the reference lists in the circulars of information. These circulars should contain a complete list of all publications now in print; obsolete items should be removed from the list.

The question was brought up as to whether or not the present Geological Survey maps are suitable. Three points brought out were:

(1) Park maps cannot always be correlated with maps of the surrounding territory.

(2) The difference in scale in maps of different parks sometimes lends to confusion. It is recognized that large scale maps are exceedingly valuable in cases where the topography is intricate, such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite Valley. It was suggested, however, that these large scale maps be supplemented by comprehensive and accurate small scale maps (1/2" to the mile); thus the maps of different parks could be compared.

(3) Some means will sooner or later have to be devised so as to change the contour maps so that they can be more readily understood by the public.

Continued >>>

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