Presents a series of memos exchanged between the director and the reference librarian of an academic library, which argue whether a South African government publication should be labeled as propaganda. The two librarians debate whether labeling is a form of censorship or a necessary explanation of the nature of the material. (MAB)

Argues that making agricultural information produced by the federal government in electronic formats available through private vendors may lead to inequitable access for its users and challenges the federal government's role in the dissemination of agricultural information. An information public for agricultural information is defined, and…

A number of important resources on current and historical issues in intercollegiate athletics are identified including independent, government, and association publications and source addresses. A 24-item annotated bibliography of articles on the student-athlete is presented. (MSE)

The development and responsibilities of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) are discussed. Ways in which teachers can use the OTA, especially as a starting point for issues-oriented design work are suggested. Examples of publications from OTA are described. (KR)

Describes a project at the Georgia State University College of Law Library that improved access to microform materials by adding their bibliographic records to the online catalog. Growth of the collection is described, government documents on microfiche are considered, the use of OCLC is discussed, and problems are reviewed. (nine references) (LRW)

To assure public access to government information, it is necessary to define just who "the public" is. Survey of formal and informal information gatekeepers in California indicates the need for further research to fully understand the use and users of government publications by individuals and information intermediaries. (18 references)…

In 1993, the Georgetown University library spent over four dollars to support its depository program for every dollar the Government Printing Office spent to distribute the information. Methods used to calculate costs, cost-sharing issues, and suggested action are discussed. Appendixes include a summary of the cost-compilation model and a…

This new column describes Internet and provides a guide to its resources for new users. The hierarchical organization of Internet is explained; library applications including cataloging, bibliographic instruction, government documents, interlibrary loan, reference, and serials are described; access to Internet is explained; common problems are…

Explains ways to find government information on the Internet and from other sources such as online catalogs and CD-ROMs. Highlights include determining the appropriate agency involved, sources of information, finding statistics, researching legislation, the relationship between laws and regulations, and ambiguous citations. (LRW)

Discusses implications to the management of the U.S. federal government information resources from recent legislation. Examines relevant policy instruments in light of the federal government's high-level commitment to the development of a National Information Infrastructure (NII) which promotes accessible and high-quality services to its citizens.…

Two reports discuss legislation and regulations affecting libraries in 1997, (funding, government information, intellectual freedom and property, Next Generation Internet, postal rates, telecommunications) and publishing in 1997 (intellectual property, freedom of expression, new technology, postal rates). (PEN)

Presents results from a study of three federal government statistical Web sites. Objectives were to determine who uses these services, types of tasks brought to the sites, strategies used for finding statistical information, and to make recommendations for design improvements. (Author/AEF)

Examines the impact of the transition of the Federal Depository Library Program from print collections to a mix of print and electronic materials. Considers library collections and services; discusses reference service within the context of Zipf's Law; and presents a case study of the University of Florida documents reference services. (Author/LRW)

Describes primary source materials available through the Federal Depository Library Program, including oral histories, interviews, letters, diaries, journals, and autobiographies. Includes an annotated bibliography of 90 titles as well as a subject index to the titles. (LRW)

Elementary and secondary schools deserve special attention with respect to seismic safety because of their special occupancy characteristics and their importance to immediate and long-term earthquake disaster relief and recovery efforts. Seismic safety provisions, when incorporated in a sound design from the very beginning, usually amount to only…