A frustrated scholar warns of trusting Google
We've written here before about Google cancelling its newspaper digitization project. Here is a new story with some details about how Google took the most extensive searchable archive of Mexican historical newspapers in the world (The "Paper of Record" archive) and abandoned it.
- How Google Disrespected Mexican History, By Richard J. Salvucci, Miller-McCune (July 10, 2011). So you want Google (or perhaps any commercial enterprise) to digitize your books and papers and make them available to everyone for all eternity? Profits and losses come and go, but history is forever and not necessarily responsive to market incentives. Be careful what you wish for. Google may give it to you, or, then again, maybe not.
Census cuts could end some surveys
Census cuts could end some surveys, By Carol Morello, Washington Post (July 12, 2011).
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...The agency, which is closing half its regional offices to save money, has warned that cuts [of 25 percent, as proposed under a bill being considered by the House Appropriations Committee] would likely mean an end to next year's Economic Survey, which is conducted every five years and is used to calculate the nation's Gross Domestic Product, among other things. There also could be deep cuts in the American Community Survey...
The Library of Congress: A C-SPAN Original Documentary
From C-SPAN: The Library of Congress A C-SPAN Original Documentary Premieres Mon., July 18, 8 & 11 pm ET on C-SPAN Join us this Monday evening on C-SPAN for the premiere of our latest original documentary, The Library of Congress. Founded in 1800 and sitting adjacent to the U.S. Capitol in the heart of America's capital city, the Library of Congress has collected nearly 150 million items, making it the world's largest library. This documentary explores the Library's 211-year history and the scope of its collection. Go behind the scenes and:
- Learn the history of the institution as you tour the Library's iconic Jefferson Building.
- See the treasures found in its collections of rare books, photos, and maps, as well as the thousands of pages of presidential and personal papers.
- Learn how the library uses technolgy to preserve its holdings and expand public access to them.
“Feds: Tell Us Which Government Websites To Close” & A Complete List of U.S. Government Domains
Two reports from a forum held today in DC. Plus, links to a list of 1759 domains managed by government. Also, a link to a video chat. Full Text Continue reading
GPO Provide Permanent Public Access to a Collection of NOAA Coastal Related Documents; Material Posted on FDsys
From the GPO: The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) is providing permanent public access to the Coastal Zone Information Collection (CZIC) through the agency’s Federal Digital System(FDsys). In collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, GPO is providing digital access to more than 5,000 coastal related documents. The collection provides nearly 30 years of data and information crucial to the understanding of U.S. coastal management and NOAA’s mission to sustain healthy coasts. NOAA sought GPO’s preservation repository services on FDsys after planning to discontinue public access to the collection. Link to Coastal Zone Information Collection on FDsys: "GPO is delighted to partner with NOAA Coastal Services Center to provide permanent public access to the valuable digital Coastal Zone Information Collection,” said GPO’s Superintendent of Documents Mary Alice Baish. “GPO encourages Federal agencies to take advantage of FDsys’ preservation repository capabilities as a way to ensure longevity and provide the public with permanent access to their Federal documents.” Read the Complete Announcement Continue reading