Discusses the fact that paper and microfiche materials remain a substantial part of most federal document collections and suggests ways to identify rare and unique documents that need to be preserved. Describes preservation activities and options and considers whether digitization is a good alternative. (LRW)

In January 1882, John H. Hickcox, a central government documents figure in his time, and the creator of "United States Government Publications: A Monthly Catalogue" or "Hickcox's Monthly Catalogue" was arrested in Washington, DC, for taking letters addressed to the Librarian of Congress. Although the charges were eventually dismissed, 1882 is the…

Part one of this report describes a serious political restraint on communication regarding government affairs: Executive Order 11652, which provides for the classification and declassification of national security information. Although this order was originally intended to guard against "unauthorized disclosure (which) could reasonably be…

This paper focuses on the two agencies that distribute U.S. Government publications in the largest number and on the greatest range of subjects: the Government Printing Office (GPO) and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Similarities and differences in operations are discussed as well as some of…

This sixth annual report describes progress achieved by the Federal Government in improving the communication of scientific and technical information to support and enhance national science and technology. Included in the report are details regarding the scientific and technical activities of individual Federal Agencies, such as the Atomic Energy…

A House of Representatives bill (H.R. 12471) seeks to overcome certain major deficienceis in the administration of the Freedom of Information Act, as disclosed by investigative hearings held in 1972, in order to contribute to the fuller and faster release of information which is the basic objective of the act. The amendments provided in H.R. 12471…

Describes the "Federal Register" system as the vehicle for federal agencies to communicate with the public and briefly outlines the advantages of this centralized system as well as the problem presented by the mass of information published. (JMF)

Reviews previous research on the nature and extent of textual revisions in the Congressional Record, the official reports of the debates of Congress. Offers survey results indicating that while revisions occur, the material is sufficiently accurate in substance to allow complete rhetorical analysis and criticism. (MH)

Traces origins of the Public Documents Library within the Government Printing Office and subsequent locations of the collection. The role of the Government Documents Round Table in development of the proposed National Depository Agency, related Title 44 revision proposals, and concerns over maintenance and servicing of the collection are…

Historical overview of federal government's commitment to statistical coordination notes creation of Central Statistical Board in 1933, decimation of federal statistical coordination beginning in 1952, resignation of Chief Statistician (1982), and government sources of statistical information. A 16-item annotated list of additional information…

A growing tendency to supplement textbooks with source and other reference materials in the teaching process is evident in the United States. This is a good tendency, allowing pupils to learn the primary sources of information and to approach problems from different viewpoints. Cost is a limiting factor of the first magnitude in the effort of many…

Provides an overview of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966 which established the rights of private citizens to obtain information from the federal government and the obligations of the government to provide it. Types of information generally made available, exemptions from disclosure, and creative uses of FOIA are noted. (Author/JEG)

Discusses factors that are combining to jeopardize access to government information throughout the country. Topics include the Federal Depository Library Program; what is not making it into the depository program, especially since the September 11 attacks; the Government Printing Office; and attempts to alter key federal government information…

Examines examples of "information lockdown" by the federal government, including Executive Order 13233 issued by President George W. Bush. Considers the underlying rationale for the lockdown, its policy implications for academics and others who seek regular access to public-sector information, and its threat to democratic society. Includes a…