Collection-type Heritage Assets

The NOAA’s collection-type heritage assets are comprised primarily of books, publications, manuscripts, records, and nautical chart plates. The table below summarizes NOAA’s collection-type heritage assets balance as of September 30, 2006. The NOAA uses the Condition Assessment Survey (CAS) method to describe the condition of its assets. The CAS method is based on a five-point scale with 1 representing excellent condition; 2 – good condition; 3 – fair condition; 4 – poor condition; and 5 – very poor condition. Assets with the condition assessment level between 1 through 3 are defined as being suitable for public display. The books, publications, and manuscripts, which make up the majority of NOAA’s collection-type heritage assets, are in 4 – poor condition, and 5 – very poor condition

Collection-type Heritage Assets

Entity	Description of Assets	Quantity of Items Held September 30, 2005	FY 2006 Additions	FY 2006 Withdrawals	Quantity of Items Held September 30, 2006
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service Library	Publications, books, manuscripts, photographs, and maps	150,593	132	-	150,725
Others	Artifacts, artwork, books, films, instruments, maps, and records	112,619	442	539	112,522
Total		263,212	574	539	263,247
Note: Effective June 30, 2006, all heritage asset items are being reported individually rather than as collections in order to ensure a higher level of asset accountability. Therefore, the September 30, 2005 heritage assets balance has been restated. Prior to restatement, the balance at September 30, 2005 was 153,977 items held.