Mission-Essential Information Resources Procurement

Air Force libraries purchase mission-essential information resources for organizations throughout the year with library central appropriated funds (central APFs). These materials can include books, subscriptions, microforms, and online databases. Download this order form template. Forward the completed form to 27 SOFSS/FSDL.

The squadron commander appoints a library custodian and alternate to be responsible for the materials procured by the library. The custodian or alternate is responsible for conducting an annual inventory of the collection. Download an appointment letter template. Forward the signed appointment letter to 27 SOFSS/FSDL.

• Defining Mission-Essential Resources. Mission-essential information resources are defined by AFI 34-101, paragraph 16.21, as "publications and services that directly bear on the functions, initiatives and operations of AF agencies that personnel must use to make decisions and effectively carry out the installation mission. "
• Organizational Exclusions. Paragraph 16.24 of AFI 34-101 lists organizations that Air Force libraries may not purchase materials for using library central APFs. These organizations have their own established methods for purchasing materials.
  • AFR and ANG.
  • Surgeon General (SG) and Defense Medical Programs Activity (DMPA).
  • Judge Advocate General (JAG). Refer to AFI 51-105, Automated Legal Information Services and Library System.
  • RDT&E activities funded exclusively with 3600 funds.
  • Depot maintenance organizations funded with AF industrial funds. Refer to DoD 7000.14-R, Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation; Volume 2B, Budget Formulation and Presentation.
  • Family housing referral offices. Refer to AFI 65-601, Volume 1.
  • Tenant activities funded with non-AF appropriations. Contact local host-tenant POC to determine non-AF activities on the installation.
  • Foreign military sales (FMS) activities. Refer to AFI 65-601, Volume 1.
  • Airman and Family Readiness programs. Refer to AFI 36-3009.
  • MWR Category C activities in all locations except for those at headquarters; congressionally approved remote and isolated locations IAW AFI 65-106, paragraph 3.1; and for areas involving health and safety deficiencies IAW AFI 65-106, paragraph 2.1.3.
  • Resources for CAP. These organizations have other funding sources.
• Unauthorized Purchases. Paragraph 16.21 of AFI 34-101 lists materials that may not be purchased with library central APFs due to their availability through other sources.
  • Non-mission support recreational publications and materials for dayrooms, lodging, air terminals, VIP aircraft, distinguished visitor lounges, community activity centers, family support centers, youth and child development facilities and hospital and clinic waiting rooms.
  • Training aids and multiple copies of materials and textbooks for use in military and civilian education programs, family support centers and religious activities. Training materials should be purchased with unit training funds. (AFI 36-2306, Voluntary Education Program and AFI 52-101, Chaplain Planning and Organizing).
  • Copies of publications available from the AF Electronic Publishing Library and Electronic Transfer System.
  • Technical orders and publications normally furnished by manufacturers for equipment maintenance and operation.
  • Professional Development Guides (PDG), Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT) and United States AF Supervisory Examination (USAFSE) guides as well as commercially produced writing guides for the AF Efficiency Reports. (AFI 36-2605, Air Force Military Personnel Testing System and AFI 36-2406, Officer and Enlisted Evaluation Systems)
  • Decisions of the Comptroller General. Documents may be accessed at the Government Accounting Office (GAO) web page (http://www.gao.gov) and the Government Printing Office web page (http://www.access.gpo.gov).
  • Personal purchases for individuals, such as Air Force Times.
  • Visual information products such as films and photographs. (AFI 35-101, Public Affairs Responsibilities and Management).
  • Computer application software programs for offices, organizations and agencies supported by AFLIS that are not information products, including compact discs.
  • Defense Mapping Agency products such as Federal Supply Class 7640 cataloged maps, atlases, charts and globes; and all other maps, charts, flight information publications (FLIPS), air target materiel, point positioning data and geodetic products. (AFI 14-205, Geospatial Information and Services).
  • Cataloged and non-cataloged sheet and book music IAW AFI 35-101.