This concise guide explains what official publications (government publications) are and their importance as sources of information to the general public and as a major resource for researchers. As the area of government activity expanded in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, so the scope of official publications widened to include topics as diverse as fine art, archaeology, medical research or building construction. But they are of especial importance to social scientists and seekers of information in the fields of economics, finance, politics, foreign policy, law, crime, poverty, housing, social security, education, health services, transport and administration. An explanation of foreign official publications and those of inter-governmental organisations is included but the work concentrates on the official publications of the UK - of both its central and devolved governments
This concise guide explains what official publications (government publications) are and their importance as sources of information to the general public and as a major resource for researchers. As the area of government activity expanded in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, so the scope of official publications widened to include topics as diverse as fine art, archaeology, medical research or building construction. But they are of especial importance to social scientists and seekers of information in the fields of economics, finance, politics, foreign policy, law, crime, poverty, housing, social security, education, health services, transport and administration. An explanation of foreign official publications and those of inter-governmental organisations is included but the work concentrates on the official publications of the UK - of both its central and devolved governments