Saturday, February 16, 2008

Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/books/14dumb.html?ei=5087&em=&en=4165809c79fa2544&ex=1203138000&pagewanted=print
New York Times 2-14-08 A good piece to read and think about before – or after – the March 1 “Afloat in the wireless pond” conference. The title suggests a theme “Dumb and Dumber”…..

Digitizing & Preservation

http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2008/08-029.html
If the feds recognize the importance of preservation, can/will the state be far behind – or will we digitize everything that matters and assume it will be there when it’s needed? Who’s thinking about that?

Best Practices For Immigrant Outreach

http://www.urbanlibraries.org/stranger021108.html
ULC Captures Best Practices For Immigrant Outreach in New Publication“Welcome Stranger” Though this new publication may not seem relevant at first blush, it is absolutely on target -- public libraries should provide formal and informal (read government) information about immigrant communities, serve as conduits to local resources and services, and "jump-start" civic engagement. Includes a free download.

ALA on FISA

http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=367

One professional association's take on recent Congressional action pertaining to FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act).

AP and the nation's newspapers

http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/13/media-newspapers-ap-biz-media-cx_lh_0214ap_print.html

The article presents well the tension between AP and the nation's newspapers. Interesting questions about how citizens will continue to get close-up information about their state and local goverment. This reference came from Media Reform - and following the link was well worth the (minimal) effort!

MPR on 2008 Leglislature

Minnesota Public Radio has a literal handful of points of access to the state legislative process. The best thing to do is to check them out and see which best fit your learning style, taste in technology,and tolerance level.

2008 Legislature
Minnesota Legislature collection: The latest news
Votetracker: Follow key legislation
Fantasy Legislature: Draft a team of legislators
Polinaut: Blog exploring politics
Policast: Podcast of political coverage

Walz calls for better access to soldiers' medical records

Minnesota Rep. Tim Walz has just returned from his first trip to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Germany. Walz said the trip gave him a renewed sense of urgency to improve access to soldiers' medical records. Learn more on MPR.