As government information librarians, we need to start getting serious about our contributions to thinking about our future roles as cogs in the civic machinery. I mean, if the computer folk can weigh in on the topic of “open government” with a response the blends a number of professional perspectives into a structured and coherent document — can librarians of government information stripes do no less?
I know I might sound like a broken record here, but several of national professional associations are trying to rally the troops through specific discussions, white papers, and organized discussions. These include (but not limited to) —
the Federal Depository Library Council
the Association of Research Libraries
the American Library Association
Much of the focus of these groups is on the future shape of the federal depository library system. Points to be considered include —
How and what will libraries collect
What are the new models of public service
What roles can libraries play in the preservation of government information
What can we do with other levels of government: local, regional, national, international.
What are the new models of organization for effective government information service in our libraries?
Respond to my daily posts. Submit your own posts. Write white papers. Contribute to the discussion. Our future roles and effectiveness are ours to lose.
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