Sunday, February 17, 2008

COGI Quote - Feb 17

Public records are the people's records. The officials in whose custody they happen to be are mere trustees for the people."

Judge Rufus Smith, Superior Court of Concinnati, Ohio, 1901.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

The Carpetbagger's Report

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/14575.html
We don’t usually pick up on federal affronts – lots of national organizations do a great job of keeping an eye on Washington – but this list was so comprehensive and current that we couldn’t pass it up, had to pass it on.

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!