Examines cost effectiveness and efficiency of using Government Printing Office Cataloging tapes to add records to online catalogs. Several problems, including errors and inconsistencies in tapes and lack of documentation, are identified. Options available for libraries wishing to make use of these tapes are described. (CLB)

Describes MEDOC, an index to U.S. government documents in health sciences produced at the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah. Both the development of the index from an in-house catalog into a subscription service, and the application of computer technologies in its production are discussed. (CLB)

Reviews the decision of the law library at Southern Illinois University to integrate government publications into the general library collection. Aspects of managing an integrated collection are described, including technical processing of paper and microfiche documents, collection development and maintenance, and reference services. (CLB)

Seven articles by members of the Bureau of the Census discuss various aspects of the census process and uses of census figures. Areas which are discussed include the historical basis of the census; automation of the census process; access to census information and confidentiality; and census taking in developing nations. (CLB)

Considers recent actions of the federal government which regulate information transfer and their possible impact on academic freedom within universities. The regulatory policies discussed encompass prepublication review and classification of research reports, limiting access of foreign scholars to U.S. universities, and limiting the dissemination…

A new interpretation of the Copyright Clause of the Constitution supports the claim that it is unconstitutional for: (1) Congress to permit copyright by federal contractors on works commissioned by federal contract for compensation, and (2) the Copyright Office to register a copyright application from such a federal contractor. (Author/CLB)

This comparison of freedom of information legislation in Canada and the United States focuses on the concern evident in both to protect personal privacy. Specific criteria for achieving a balance between access and privacy are articulated. (CLB)

Briefly describes fundamental problems with library reference service based on the findings of 20 separate studies using unobtrusive tests. An emphasis on quality of service, realistic goals, and effective managerial strategies are identified as possible resolutions of these problems. (CLB)

Examines developments in information technology that might endanger individual privacy and legislative responses to these threats by the English-speaking democracies, i.e., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Guidelines for the responsible use of information technologies are proposed. (CLB)

Reviews the creation in 1933 of the Council of State Governments, which serves as an information resource for state officials and describes the current development of a national-state government information database and the creation of a state government research institute. (CLB)

Reports on the method and findings of a study which used unobtrusive testing to measure the accuracy and efficiency of search strategies by library personnel when dealing with the technical report literature. A copy of the test questions used in this study is appended. (CLB)

Summarizes addresses at the second annual Forum on Federal Information Policies at the Library of Congress. These presentations explore the direction of federal information policy in terms of international influences, national security, differentiation between products and information, information technology, and other areas of interest to…

Outlines issues that could arise in a debate on the appropriate role of government in supplying scientists with the access to data and information technology necessary for their research. Some of the areas explored include electronic dissemination of information, federal support mechanisms, international competition, and access to information.…

Traces origins of the Public Documents Library within the Government Printing Office and subsequent locations of the collection. The role of the Government Documents Round Table in development of the proposed National Depository Agency, related Title 44 revision proposals, and concerns over maintenance and servicing of the collection are…

Reports agency publication policies established by the President's Task Force on Management Report and subsequent reductions in data collection and publishing activities. The impact of these policies on the availability and cost of federal statistical documentation collected by libraries is described. (CLB)