A Controller questioned the information dispersal procedures used by the FAA; both NOTAMS and/or the AFD with regard to NAVAID availability; after an event involving an IFR departure from MAL.

Narrative

I received a call from AFSS requesting an IFR clearance from Malone; NY (MAL) to Saratoga; NY (5B2). Because the Massena; NY (MSS) VORTAC is unusable to the south; MAL is not within any NAVAID use limitations; therefore; I could not issue the departure clearance. I informed AFSS of such; the aircraft departed VFR later and received its IFR once it was RADAR identified. From what I understand; for prolonged outages such as the case of MSS; NOTAMs are no longer issued instead the information regarding the outage is placed in the AFD. What's interesting in this case is that although MAL lists MSS as the Radio Aid to Navigation; the remarks state 'NOTAM File MSS'. But there are no NOTAMs for MSS. Additionally; there is no clear message anywhere that says if you land at MAL you will not be able to depart IFR from there. Information should be readily accessible to pilots regarding navigation outages in the NAS. Publishing information in the AFD should be complete or NOTAMs should remain regarding outages.