Public libraries have evolved into a primary source of Internet access in many communities, generating wide-ranging impacts in the communities that public libraries serve. Based on the findings of the 2007 Public Libraries and the Internet study, this article examines the ways in which the Internet access delivered by public libraries affects…

Discussion of federal information policy focuses on a study that was conducted to identify federal information/locator systems, i.e., databases that identify information resources. The development of a database containing information on the systems is described, and the concept of a governmentwide information inventory/locator system (GIILS) is…

Discusses U.S. government information policy issues related to the dissemination of information, particularly in electronic format. Policy initiatives with implications for dissemination of government information are also considered, including reauthorization of the Paperwork Reduction Act; revision of the Office of Management and Budget Circular…

Demonstrates the use of a descriptive assessment of an information policy initiative using the Government Information Locator Service (GILS) as an example. Techniques discussed include historical perspective, review of the key policy instrument, descriptive modeling, side-by-side analysis, review of related policy instruments, literature review,…

This brief overview of recent policy initiatives--in addition to existing statutes and regulations--that may affect the Government Printing Office (GPO) Depository Library Program's (DLP) role in the dissemination of electronic government information identifies selected trends that may affect the public's access to electronic information through…

Provides an overview of information policy, including its importance, its key instruments, and its complexity. Information policy issues that may create new roles for libraries include the ramifications of the public's right to information, the organization and retrieval of electronically networked information, information literacy training,…

Results of a national survey on public library outlet Internet connectivity reveal disparities in connectivity, public access provision, and speed of public access Internet services. Disparities have implications for future connectivity policy development like erate, state librarybased connectivity programs, and libraryinitiated connectivity…

The roles of libraries in providing access to the Internet are still evolving, but such roles raise policy issues that are both significant and complex. A flexible and dynamic policy is needed to respond to the different access needs of various users. Market forces alone will not provide equal access to the Internet, and many public institutions…

Discussion of possible information policy initiatives of the Clinton administration focuses on the issues addressed by a 1992 draft document which revises the Office of Management and Budget's Circular A-130, "The Management of Federal Information Resources." Recommended revisions for the circular are listed. (seven references) (EA)

In recent years there has been considerable debate about the appropriate role, management structure, and activities for the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). This background paper identifies key issues that require attention by Congress and by NTIS itself to increase the effectiveness of NTIS in the collection and dissemination of…

The Government Information Locator Service (GILS) is a response to the need of users to be able to identify, locate, and access or acquire publicly available federal information resources. GILS uses ANSI/NISO Z39.50, the American National Standard for information retrieval, and other relevant standards to support the deployment of agency-based,…

Considers selected policy instruments related to federal agencies' deployment of information in a Web environment in terms of five key policy areas: access, security, privacy, intellectual property, and records management. Suggests that there are a significant number of policy instruments affecting federal Web site development. Identifies the need…

Building on previous discussions of Federal information inventory locator systems (FILS), this report explores issues related to FILS and identifies policy and implementation options that can best meet the competing rationales and requirements for FILS. The concept of a Government-wide Information Inventory/Locator System is explored, and it is…

Summarizes a study that identified and described federal information inventory/locator systems and resulted in the Federal Locator Database--an electronic database describing 250 federal databases. Recommends that the U.S. Office of Management and Budget develop policy frameworks for the design of a governmentwide locator system accessible over…

This study continues the research reported in "Federal Information Inventory/Locator Systems: From Burden to Benefit: Final Report" (McClure, et al., 1990). Begun May 1, 1991, and completed in August 1992, this exploratory and descriptive research was intended to improve access to and use of U.S. Government information. Its methodology…