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DOD Resource Locator
Frequently Asked Questions

The DOD Resource Locator can help you identify public Department of Defense information sources. You can perform full text searches on Web Sites, Web Publications, FOIA Electronic Reading Room Documents, DOD Libraries and Other DOD Sources.

Here are some questions you are likely to have when looking for information sources using DOD Resource Locator Records. 

  1. How do I obtain information not on the Internet?
  2. How do I register my WWW Server (or other source) into the DOD Resource Locator Locator?
  3. What is GILS?
  4. What are GILS policies?
  5. How do I find out more about using the DOD Resource Locator system to enter a record?
  6. Are there any priorities for submitting GILS records?
  7. Why is a "Release Authority" required in the GILS record?
  8. Can I find people in GILS?
  9. Can I register Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Web sites?

1. How do I obtain information not on the Internet?

Most records contain information that includes a Point of Contact or a URL.

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2. How do I register my WWW Service (home page), or other source, into DOD Resource Locator Search?

All Federal organizations are required to create GILS records for their information sources. Please register your Web site through the DOD GILS Registration System.

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3. What is GILS?

The Government Information Locator Service (GILS) is essentially a card catalog. It identifies public information resources throughout the U.S. Federal Government, describes the information available in those resources, and provides assistance in obtaining the information. Ultimately, GILS will consist of a decentralized collection of agency-based information locators and associated information services. GILS supplements other agency information dissemination mechanisms and commercial information sources. GILS uses network technology and international standards for information search and retrieval so that information can be retrieved in a variety of ways, and so that GILS users can find other information resources worldwide. GILS provides automated linkages that facilitate electronic delivery of online information products and services. Additional information and documents about GILS are available on the USGS's GILS Server.

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4. What are GILS policies?

GILS Policies

    OMB MEMO 98-05, "Guidance on the Government Information Locator Service"
    OMB BULLETIN NO. 95-01, "Establishment of Government Information Locator Service"
     DOD Policy for GILS Implementation: Memorandum from the Deputy Secretary of Defense

Related Policies
 
     DOD Directive 5230.9, "Clearance of DOD Information for Public Release"
     DOD Instruction 5230.29, "Security Policy Review of DOD Information for Public Release"
     DOD Policy for Establishing and Maintaining a Publicly Accessible Department of Defense Web Information Service
     DOD Policy for Clearing Electronic Information for the Public

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5. How do I find out more about using the DOD Resource Locator system to enter a record?

Please refer to our Helpful Hints page.


6. Are there any priorities for submitting GILS records?

Although GILS is meant to eventually capture records for all publicly released documents, the policy statement attached to the September 2, 1995 memorandum says that "...participation in establishing and maintaining DOD Resource Locator may be accomplished as a collective effort executed within existing funds and authorities." To accomplish this effort with existing resources, the following guidelines should be followed:
  • Start by submitting GILS records for all currently on-line official World Wide Web services/sites on the Internet under your purview. Upon receipt of the GILS record, that service will be linked to DOD Resource Locator or to the subsidiary Military Service's Web Service (e.g. AirForceLINK).
  • Once GILS records have been submitted for your official World Wide Web services/sites submit GILS records for major publications or documents with a national or regional interest (e.g. Airman Magazine, Soldier magazine, Defense Issues).
  • Then concentrate on major information holdings, submitting a single GILS record for the holding (e.g. a library of public documents on a major military event, or system).
  • Any new major publications or documents, or major revisions, should have GILS records submitted upon publication of the document.
  • Submit GILS records for other public information IAW GILS policies.
  • Update existing records as pertinent information changes. DOD policy states that records should be reviewed at least semi-annually.
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    7. Why is a "Release Authority" required in the GILS record?

    The "Release Authority" is the person with the official authority to provide information to the public. A formal release procedure by appropriate personnel must be established to ensure proper review and clearance prior to release. In no case will information be publicly accessible on the Internet prior to clearance for public release.  The DOD Web policy (paragraph 4.3) states that "the GILS registration process requires the name of the release authority as verification that the information has been properly cleared for public release."

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    8. Can I find people in GILS?

    No.  GILS is not a system for finding people.  Each military service maintains their own locator service which can be reached via the Requests For Military Mailing Addresses page on DefenseLink.

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    9. Can I register Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Web sites?

    Yes.  Even though there is not a Record Type for Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Web sites they should still be registered. Coast Guard registrations should be included under "Navy Web Sites". National Guard and Reserve Web sites should be registered under their respective services. For example, an Army Reserve Web site should be registered under "Army Web Sites".

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