The First Collection of President Obama’s Public Papers
Over at the Government Book Talk blog, Jim Cameron announced the publication of the first collection of President Obama's public papers. The GPO bookstore page for the Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Barack Obama, 2009, Book 1 says that an eBook edition of this historic publication is coming soon and provides a link to request notification. The full text is already available online as one large (9232 KB) PDF file, and as separate, individual PDF documents. (I hope NBC doesn't claim copyright to the interview on the Tonight Show!) Continue reading
Extinction or Evolution?
Kate Theimer has posted her presentation, Extinction or Evolution? (A slowed down version of my Smithsonian Ignite presentation on ArchivesNext. Although she addresses the future of archives, there are a lot of parallels to libraries. One point that I think is particularly relevant to government information is that if 10% of all information meets the needs of 90% of the public, what will happen to the rest of the information? Thanks, Kate, for a provocative presentation! More presentations from Ignite:
Continue readingPublic libraries feel strain of budget cuts
Book bind: Public libraries feel strain of budget cuts, By Tony Pugh, McClatchy Newspapers (April 19, 2011).
WASHINGTON — They're the lone source of free computer and internet access in most communities, allowing the unemployed to search for jobs, learn computer skills and spruce up their resumes. Millions use them to stay in touch with relatives, apply for government services or to seek health information. But public libraries' critical role as neighborhood information hubs hasn't shielded the nearly 17,000 of them across the country from budget scalpels.Continue reading
NSA: Best Practices for Keeping Your Home Network Secure
Steven Aftergood says: "The National Security Agency published a brochure this month on “Best Practices for Keeping Your Home Network Secure” (pdf). Among other online security measures, the NSA suggested providing false answers to password recovery challenge questions." The pamphlet is available from the NSA and from the Federation of American Scientists:
- Best Practices for Keeping Your Home Network Secure: April 2011, The Information Assurance Mission at NSA.
- http://www.fas.org/irp/nsa/best_practices.pdf
Save the statistical abstract video created. Please share widely
The fine folks at Gelman Library, George Washington University have created a compelling video in support of the US Statistical Abstract. Please watch and share widely. Remember, there are at least 2 things you can do to help save the Statistical Abstract:
- Contact your representatives. Here's more information on how to do that.
- Sign the online petition