From the Google Book Search blog:
In 2004, Google began a partnership with Oxford University Library to scan mostly 19th century public domain books from its Bodleian library. Five years on, we’re delighted to announce the end of this phase of our scanning with Oxford, our first European partner. Together, we have digitized and made available [...]
Archive of entries posted on March 2009
The Bodleian’s treasures, available to all
Scribd Partners With Book Publishers to Reach New Readers
From Information Today:
Scribd, Inc., the social publishing website, announced that it has partnered with major publishers to bring books and other professional works to its community of more than 50 million readers. Random House, Simon & Schuster, Workman Publishing Co., Berrett-Koehler, Thomas Nelson, and Manning Publications are among the companies uploading and sharing entire novels, [...]
NARA Seeks Input into the Development of Alternative Models for Presidential Libraries
NARA Request for Comments:
NARA seeks the comments and suggestions of interested organizations and individuals for cost effective ways of modifying the present system for archiving and providing public access to Presidential records. . .
. . . NARA will publish on its web site the final report as submitted to Congress.
NARA encourages comments by email to [...]
Library money based on politics
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Gold Dome Live blog:
When Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue recommended which communities would get money for new libraries, there was little political distinction in his choices.
He reviewed a list recommended by state library officials. Money went to communities represented by Republicans at the statehouse, and money went to cities represented by Democrats.
General [...]
Florida County To Explore Privatizing Libraries
From Hernando Today:
With the county facing a projected $10 million in lost revenue next year, any and all ideas to produce money are on the table.
Including privatizing the county’s library system.
County Administrator David Hamilton said that particular option will go before the members of the budget and finance committee when it meets April 7.
Hamilton said [...]
Senator Cardin Introduces Bill That Would Allow American Newspapers to Operate as Non-Profits
Press Release:
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), today introduced legislation that would allow newspapers to become non-profit organizations in an effort to help the faltering industry survive. . .
. . . The Newspaper Revitalization Act would allow newspapers to operate as non-profits, if they choose, under 501(c)(3) status for educational purposes, similar to public broadcasting. [...]
SLA Asks Pennsylvania Governor for Library Plan
From SLA’s Public Policy blog:
SLA sent a letter to Governor Edward G. Rendell on 17 March 2009 expressing strong concern over the proposed 50% budget cut for the State Library of Pennsylvania.
The letter acknowledges the recession and the need for tough decisions, but opposes the downsizing or diminution of library services at the State Library [...]
FAA may keep bird strike records confidential – Agency fears transparency would lead carriers to stop reporting damage
From MSNBC:
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing to keep secret from travelers and the public its vast records on how frequently and where commercial planes are damaged by hitting flying birds.
The agency’s formal secrecy proposal came just after FAA officials had said they were going to release the huge database to The Associated Press in [...]
Declass Board Tells Obama Openness is “At Risk”
From Secrecy News:
In a new letter to President Obama, the Public Interest Declassification Board warned that reliable public access to government information, the very foundation of representative democracy, may be in jeopardy.
Although “our Board was heartened by your early statements and actions on openness in Government,” wrote Board acting chairman Martin Faga to the President [...]
Courts Pay Attention to New FOIA Policy
From Secrecy News:
A skeptical person might presume that the new Freedom of Information Act policy announced by Attorney General Eric Holder on March 19 declaring that agencies should “adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure” is a rhetorical posture without much practical significance.
After all, requesters who used FOIA during the Clinton era know that agencies [...]