Gov Docs

2006-09-04T14:54:00.000-06:00

Use of Government Information in Undergraduate Research
Presented by Amy Brunvand

Amy presented her literature review and her own research regarding undergraduate use of government information accessed via the Web in their research. Both the literature review and Amy's research show an increasing trend in undergraduates siting government information accessed from web searches. She found that "42% of students used at least one government source, even through the instructions never specifically required them to use government information."

Her conclusions regarding students:

Thanks to the Web, undergraduate students are sponstaneously using government sources (but sometimes fail to use them even when the topic should require it).
Students recognize .gov as credible.
Students find different sources on the Web and at the library.
Only a few students are truly sophisticated Web searchers. Most just use standard search engines.

She provided: Basic Government Sources for Non-Gov Documents Specialists

http://www.google.com/ig/usgov Google Government
http://www.firstgov.gov/ FirstGov
http://www.science.gov Science. gov
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ GPO (Government Printing Office) Access

Submitted by Tracie.

2006-08-20T16:46:00.000-06:00

The Erie Triangle: Back to the Future
Presented by Charles D. Bernholz

To sum up this lecture in blog format does not begin to do it justice. Charles Bernholz has researched a relatively small piece of land that was owned by Indians in what is now the upper west corner of Pennsylvania. The U.S. Government formed treaties with these Indians and then sold the land for an enormous profit. The reason the state of Pennsylvania wanted the land was that the state would have access to Lake Erie. Once the state owned the lands, there would be more access to the shore line for water transportation. However, the site was owned by native Americans. The U.S. Federal Government bought the land and then sold it to Pennsylvania for a large profit. The question appears to be did the U.S. government buy the land below value? For the entire story see Charles' presentation and handout and scroll to August 4th at 9:45 a.m. The hand out contains links to U.S. maps, treaties, and mentions an articles submitted for publication. The article and other publications by Charles can be found at the Nebraska faculty publication website.

Submitted by Tracie.

2006-08-20T09:57:00.000-06:00

U.S. Government Information: Los Fugitivos
Jim Veatch and Justine Veatch

The presentation focused on Spanish language fugitive U.S. government documents. After relocating to New Mexico, Jim wanted to include links to government documents in Spanish. He felt that his community needed access to these electronic publications. After researching publications, Jim noticed that many publications were not available through the depository program in either English or Spanish.

At his presentation, he provided a list of titles he believes should be part of the depository program. To access this list and Jim's other handouts, please link here and then scroll down to the August 4th session at 8:30. He has provided his presentation, a handout, and a list.

Currently, when Jim finds fugitive documents he catalogs them and shares the information with the New Mexico State Library. The New Mexico OPAC, SALSA, contains links to some of the fugitive documents. The New Mexico State Library is working on increasing the number of permanent links to these electronic documents. They typically are online for a short period of time and must be captured and archived before they are discontinued.

Submitted by Tracie

2006-08-17T06:41:00.000-06:00

Use Statistics for E-docs: Depository Library PURL Referrals
Presented by Tim Byrne

Tim demonstrated how to look up use statistics at the GPO Access page on Federal Depository Library (FDL) PURL Referrals. On this site, the statistics may be accessed cummulatively, by month since October 2005, and archived documents. This site also contains a link, so librarians can register their catalog and domain names. This is how FDLP can monitor usage statistics. In spite of the technical difficulties and flawed statistics, Tim encourages librarians to register their libraries.

Submitted by Tracie

2006-08-15T15:48:00.000-06:00

Blogging on Documents
Presented by Jennie Gerke

In this session, Jennie described the CU Boulder Government Documents librarians' decision to begin a blog. Blogs are another way to communicate to college age students. Jennie's PP presentation has this stat, "12 million adults have a blog, of those 54% are between the ages of 18 and 29." CU's blog is not only aimed at their college students, but any blog seeking person. One of the selling points of Blogspot.com is that the pages are searchable by Google.

In Jennie's presentation, she has links to blog software, RSS feed readers, blogs on documents, and links for checking out users on your blog. RSS feed readers are important for your regular readers, because when you update those registered will automatically get notified regarding your updates. Also you may want to monitor who has visited your site.

Because CU's blog is posted daily, Jennie talked about how she selects topics. She finds inspiration from news reports, the Library of Congress, vacations, interesting historical materials, etc. She recommends that quirky topics are good, because her readers appreciate humor.

Submitted by Tracie

2006-08-15T06:26:00.000-06:00

New Mexico News Plus
Presented by Laurie Canepa, Kirsten Clark, and Timothy Skeers

The New Mexico State Library and New Mexico State University have joined forces to provide proactive reference service for New Mexicans' current issues. The librarians review a number of news papers daily to find references to federal, state, and local government news, and then they note on their website the link to the article as well as refer to other related articles. They try to get the information posted daily by 9:00 a.m. More information can be found at the New Mexico State Library website.

The New Mexico State Library is also building its digital archives. The Librarians are trying to capture government web documents that are live for a short time. They want to make sure that New Mexicans have access to these documents for the long run. A part of this archiving program includes fugitive government documents published in Spanish. They are accessed through SALSA, New Mexico's online catalog.

Submitted by Tracie

2006-08-13T10:43:00.000-06:00

The World of Business Statistics
Presented by Leticia Camacho

Leticia presented a number of useful government focused Websites specializing in business use. Her handout focused on market and business data, small business statistics and ownership, financial statistics, demographic and economic, labor, and global research links. Her handout can be used to walk business students or small business owners through various Websites that might have pieces of information that will answer a comprehensive question.

She also has research guides available through Harold B. Lee Library web page at Brigham Young University. Once on the page, scroll down to the business guides. She has at least 20 guides regarding research business related topics.

Submitted by Tracie

2006-08-13T08:20:00.000-06:00

Depository Library Basics
Presentation by Tim Byrne, University of Colorado, Laurie Canepa, New Mexico State Library, and Janet Fisher, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Tim, Laurie, and Janet described the new Federal Depository Handbook. They went chapter by chapter and noted myths and monsters a long the way. The most recent handbook was completed in 1993, and this link also provides supplements. There is a new handbook in progress. At the bottom of the page, there is an area to input comments and suggestions regarding the draft.

At the GPO Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) Desktop News and Updates page, there are resources for depositories. The top half of the page has new and updated items and the bottom has lists of useful resources about the FDLP program, depository management links, electronic information links, locator tools and services links, processing tools, and publications.

Some topic discussions during the session:

List of essential titles. Depository librarians were surveyed regarding what they believe should be on the essential titles list. Items that are selected 85% as yes stay on the list. Because of the variety of libraries, it is challenging to get items on the list if 16% of the responses do not include the item.

Public access to government publications at public libraries. Filter systems should be turned off for adults when requested, so they have full access to online government publications. Librarians and parents may assist younger users when they need access to unfiltered government information.

Submitted by Tracie

2006-08-12T10:38:00.000-06:00

Judy Russell, Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office

Judy Russell the Superintendent of Documents at the Government Printing Office (GPO) presented a "state of the union" to the conference attendees. In the past, the GPO was known for its publications and printings. The current goal of the office is to provide perpetually free public access to documents. Their logo is "Keeping America Informed."

The current mission statement for the GPO includes:

The public has a right of access to government publications.
The publications are authentic.
Publications are preserved for future generations.
Publications need to be in the public domain--copyright free.

At present 92% of new titles are available online. There are only 8% that are exclusively tangible products. The majority of these items are maps.

The status of the legacy digitization project:

GPO needs final approval.
The quality will be excellent and in color.
Current publications are published electronically.
There is a comprehensive federal bibliography.
Z39--libraries can download information directly to their catalogs.

GPO projects:

National Archives--GPO online collection, NA tangible collection, and a permanent preservation for last resort.
Version control requirements--an ongoing tough problem.

Judy Russell's Recommended Readings (short list):

Submitted by Tracie

2006-08-12T10:22:00.000-06:00

I am creating this blog to record some of the presentations from the Five-State Government Documents Conference, which took place from August 2nd through August 4, 2006 at CU Boulder. The conference website has linked some of handouts and power point presentations and more appear on a daily basis.

Submitted by Tracie