Departmental Regulation 1410-001, "Publications Review/Clearance Policy," defines four types of publications that can be issued subsequent to an original publication: superseding publication, major revision, slight revision, and reprint. Because each is handled slightly differently, it is important to determine the specific type. All four types of publications require clearance through OC's Editorial Branch before printing or disseminating electronically.
A superseding publication either replaces an earlier publication with an entirely new one or is so materially changed in text and treatment that it is issued under a new title, series number, and date. A superseding publication carries a statement identifying it as such and includes the series number and title of the publication it supersedes.
A major revision replaces obsolete information and generally includes major text changes, such as inclusion of new varieties, methods of operation, treatments, new tables or major statistics, and any extensive rewriting or important changes in illustrations. A major revision carries the date of the revision without the date of the original issue. The publication, however, is issued under the same title and series number as the original.
Slight revisions are issued when changes are important and noteworthy, but relatively minor, and do not require a major overhaul of the contents. They may include additions or changes in varieties, treatments, and statistics, but not to the extent that substantial stocks of the previous issue should be scrapped as obsolete. A slight revision carries the date of the slight revision with the date of original issue or major revision. A slight revision is issued without change in the title or series number.
A reprint is issued without change from the original except for any necessary minor updating, such as agency names and correction of typographical errors. Cover designs may be changed before reprinting to provide a more up-to-date appearance. A reprint does not carry a reprint date unless it is more than 2 years old. Then, it shall carry a statement that it has been reviewed and approved for reprinting, the month and year of reprinting, and the original date of issue or major revision.
