Publications >  FAQs

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a PDF file?
Most of the publications on this site are provided in Portable Document Format, or PDF. This distribution format allows electronic documents to be transferred between different types of computers, complete with formatting, fonts, pictures and graphics, regardless of what computer operating system you use.

How do I access these publications?
To download a publication, click on its link. You may then read the publication on your computer monitor or print it. To do either of these things, you will need to have Acrobat Reader software or the Acrobat plug-in for your Web browser.

What is Acrobat Reader, and where do I get it?
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free software product from Adobe Systems that allows people on different computer systems to view a PDF document. Adobe Acrobat Reader does not allow you to create or modify a PDF document. You will need to have Acrobat Reader version 3.0 or later to properly display and print the documents on this site. The latest version for both Macintosh and PC computers can be downloaded from Adobe's Home Page at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html.

Where does the information in these materials come from?
The publications included in this site are written by faculty and staff in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. The information included is based on research conducted by faculty members and experts at Penn State and other institutions. Most of the publications here are made available by the college for distribution through Penn State Cooperative Extension, a nonformal educational network serving Pennsylvania residents.

Some of the publications included in this site are developed by individual academic departments within the College of Agricultural Sciences, and are distributed directly by those departments.

How can I get a printed copy of a publication?
Publications and videos produced and distributed by the college are available from the

PUBLICATIONS DISTRIBUTION CENTER
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
112 AGRICULTURAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA 16802-2602
PHONE: 814-865-6713
FAX: 814-863-5560
E-MAIL: AGPUBSDIST@PSU.EDU

The college will provide a single copy of any free publication requested by an individual, group, or business within Pennsylvania. Reproduction, shipping, and handling costs will be recovered for all out-of-state or international orders.

Pennsylvania residents can also get a printed copy of most of the publications listed on this site by visiting the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in their county.

Requests for more than a single copy of a free publication will be handled by the college's Publications Distribution Center on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the center at 877-345-0691 or by e-mail at AgPubsDist@psu.edu for pricing information for all in-state bulk, out-of-state, and out-of-country orders.

Be aware that some of publications on this site are available from the college's academic departments, and their policies may vary. Check the ordering information for each publication you are interested in for specific instructions.

Are there shipping and handling costs for publications, CD-ROMs, or video tapes?
The college applies a shipping and handling charge of $5.00 per order to all for-sale items shipped in the United States. A $10.00 shipping and handling fee to Canada and Mexico and a $20.00 fee for all other international orders will be applied.

Be aware that some of publications on this site are available from the college's academic departments, and their policies may vary. Check the ordering information for each publication you are interested in for specific instructions.