Pennsylvania puts state manual online for first time

The first-ever electronic version of "The Pennsylvania Manual," the commonwealth's official handbook of state government, can be accessed online for free through the state's Web site.

The manual includes nine sections, including accounts of programs and institutions; statistics; biographical profiles for the legislative, executive and judicial branches; local and federal government and Pennsylvania history.

"For nearly two centuries, 'The Pennsylvania Manual' has been a valuable resource for thousands of people around the country who wanted to learn more about state government leaders and offices," said Pennsylvania's Secretary of General Services Gary Crowell, adding that "the 114th edition continues that tradition."

The department sold 721 manuals from the last printing and distributed 32,500, said a department spokeswoman.

The manual can be accessed through the state's homepage at www.state.pa.us, or directly at www.dgs.state.pa.us/PAManual/, and can also be purchased in soft-cover and CD-ROM versions.