New format for government �blue pages� more user friendly, focuses on service

The provincial government �blue pages� in the 2001-2002 telephone book have a new format which focuses on the services provided by government rather than an alphabetical listing of departments.

Under the previous format, users had to know which provincial government department was responsible for the service they required and search for the phone number corresponding to that department. The new listing for the programs and services uses an alphabetized key word format whereby users simply look for the service they require and the corresponding phone number. This format is consistent with that now being used by the federal government.

Under the new provincial blue pages, for example, instead of looking under the Department of Government Services and Lands for information on deeds, individuals can now just search for �Deeds� in the listings. Similarly, individuals can look for �Income Support� in the blue pages instead of having to know the number is listed under the Department of Human Resources and Employment.

This is the first year the provincial government is using the key word format and is interested in any feedback from users of the blue pages on how to improve the service. Individuals can call (709) 729-1799 or e-mail BluePages@mail.gov.nf.ca.

The new phone books for the Eastern and Central regions were published in May; Labrador will be issued in September and Western will be distributed in November.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015

2001 05 16                                                1:25 p.m.