1. JPRS Overview
The United States Joint Publications Research Service is a government agency which translates foreign language books, newspapers, journals, unclassified foreign documents and research reports. Approximately 80% of the documents translated are serial publications. JPRS is the largest single producer of English language translations in the world. More than 80,000 reports have been issued since 1957, and currently JPRS produces over 300,000 pages of translations per year.
In its early years JPRS concentrated heavily on scientific and technical material from communist countries. Gradually coverage has broadened to include more non-scientific materials.
Today, access to the JPRS translations is through the online resource World News Connection, which is provided through the National Technical Information Service. World News Connection (WNC) combines the Daily Reports from the Foreign Broadcasting Information Service with JPRS reports into one full text searchable database. The content focuses primarily on military, political, environmental, scientific, technical, and socioeconomic issues and events. Full text is available on-line, or relevant articles may be sent to a subscriber’s e-mail address.
This guide will provide the user with tools to locate the various series which are available online, in (Lamont Library) Government Documents/Microforms collection, or elsewhere.