Frequently Asked Questions Regarding our Name Change

Does the name change indicate a change in mission?

No, it does not reflect any change in mission. In fact, we feel that the new name better reflects the organization’s mission. We still connect people to Alaska’s public lands through publishing, education programs, bookstores, and we continue to directly support our public land agency partners.

Why did you change the name?

• The old name didn’t encompass all that we do. For example, we educate people about cultural history as well as natural history, but that was left out of our old name.
• The old name was difficult for people to remember and therefore we lost all the benefits of word of mouth.
• We were often confused with a museum; the new name better reflects our active, out in the community mission.

What is your full name?

Our official name is Alaska Geographic Association. In conversation and on our letterhead we refer to ourselves as Alaska Geographic.

If you’re a 49-year old organization, why have I never heard of you before?

For two reasons: first, because our old name was difficult to remember and caused confusion. Second, we typically have worked behind the scenes with our public lands partners at the forefront. We will continue to promote agencies and the public lands themselves, but in this day and age we also need to be recognized by name to build customer loyalty, and for fundraising and outreach purposes. All of this together allows us to better support Alaska’s public lands.

What does Alaska Geographic do?

Alaska Geographic connects people to Alaska’s magnificent public lands and serves as a gateway for people to learn about Alaska’s vibrant natural and cultural heritage. We operate 48 bookstores around the state; we publish books, maps and guides, and other media; we offer accredited classes in parks, forests, and refuges; and we provide financial support and services to public lands agencies to enhance their reach.

What does the mission of your organization have to do with geography?

Everything really. Geography is all encompassing, and reflects all the complex relationships between people and the land. That’s the mission of Alaska Geographic: to connect people to Alaska’s land. This includes nature, culture, habitat, landforms, wildlife, history, human systems, etc.

Are you a government agency?

No, we are a nonprofit or philanthropic organization that works closely with government agencies to educate people about Alaska’s wild places and its rich cultural heritage. We also could be considered part of the emerging business sector called “social entrepreneurs” or “social benefit organizations” that create innovative products or services for the public good.

What is the relationship between your organization and the Alaska Geographic Society?

There is no formal relationship. Alaska Geographic Society ceased operation in 2003. We bought the trademark in 2005, and we changed our name to Alaska Geographic Association in 2008.

Are you going to start reprinting the Alaska Geographic journal?

We are the largest retailer of back issues of the magazine, but no, we are not formally affiliated with the journal and we have no plans to restart that publication. That journal is no longer being produced, and we now own the name. Graphic Arts owns the copyright on the old Alaska Geographic journals and will continue to re-release certain issues as demand allows. Through our own publishing of a wide variety of books, map and trail guides, DVDs, and our other programs, we are educating people about public lands and similar topics. We are also one of the leading sellers of the journals remaining in print.

I’ve heard of the Alaska Geographic Alliance too; what is that?

The Alaska Geographic Alliance is a K-12 teachers’ network that receives support and funding from National Geographic. We work with the Alliance and its statewide sponsor, the University of Alaska Fairbanks geography program, on teacher trainings and other resources for schools.

Are you affiliated with National Geographic?

Not formally, but we have similar missions: education and celebration of natural and cultural heritage through publications with vibrant writing and photography, as well as bookstores and experiential education programs.

Are you afraid National Geographic is going to sue you for copying their name?

No, we know we will not be sued by National Geographic because they do not own a copyright on the word “Geographic.” We have a good relationship with National Geographic, and have met with the CEO and other senior staff. Both organizations are open to the possibility of collaborating on education programs in the future.

Does my membership with National Geographic allow me a discount in your bookstores?

No, it does not, but you’re welcome to join as a member of Alaska Geographic. Basic membership starts at $30 and allows you a 15% discount in our bookstores and a 10% discount on many of our classes.

So, do you do more than run bookstores?

Yes. While we operate 48 bookstores statewide in support of Alaska’s public lands, we also are a publisher, a member-based organization, and offer 26 multi-day education programs in parks, forests, and refuges around the state.

What is Alaska Geographic’s connection to public lands?

We were founded in1959 with the support of the National Park Service and today have formal written agreements with six public lands agencies: National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska State Parks, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Geological Survey. We directly support public lands agency programs through revenue earned in bookstores. We offer joint experiential education programs on the lands themselves, and we help create constituencies of supporters for Alaska’s wild places.

You mentioned that revenue earned in your 48 bookstores directly supports agencies; how much does that add up to be?

Since 1959, Alaska Geographic has contributed more than $20 million in support of Alaska’s public lands. In 2007, we contributed $2.8 million in support and services to Alaska’s parks, forests, and refuges for education endeavors like visitor center films, junior ranger programs, science camps, and school-based programs.

What exactly are public lands?

Public lands are lands owned by you and me and all American citizens, no matter where they live – national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and BLM lands. Alaska State Parks are publicly owned by all Alaskans.

Was it expensive to change your name?

Our goal was to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible, which included taking advantage of free marketing opportunities whenever possible. In addition, we were able to incorporate the cost of changing the name within planned reprinting schedules and not having a lot of items with the old name that needed to be destroyed. Beyond changing store signs and uniforms, we don’t anticipate many additional expenses.