STATE MANUAL TO BE ON WEB

Missouri's state manual or "Blue Book" will be available on CD-ROM and the secretary of state's Web site by the end of the year.

Secretary of State Bekki Cook will present the 1999-2000 edition of the official manual on Thursday at a special event in the Capitol Rotunda at 1 p.m.

Cook said it is fitting that the final Blue Book of the 20th century was prepared with the latest technology.

"All design, pre-press work and proofing was done electronically this year. Corrections were made at our office and photos were scanned," said Cook.

"We now have an electronic archives which will help us in future publications and help ensure accuracy not only in the Blue Book but all of our publications," she said.

Even though the manual will be placed on the Web, it also will be published as a conventional book.

The 1999-2000 edition retains the traditional blue color. It has 1,520 pages, 64 more than last year.

State law provides for the secretary of state to publish 40,000 copies of the manual. They are distributed to schools, libraries, the news media and elected officials around the state.

Members of the Missouri House and Senate distribute more than half of the books.

The manual was first printed in 1878. It has been published every other year since 1889. This is the 62nd edition.