Informing The Nation Federal Information Dissemination In An Electronic Age Summary

This report summarizes a study conducted by the Office of Technology Assessment which addressed the opportunities offered by technological advances to improve the dissemination of federal information essential to public understanding of many issues facing Congress and the Nation. Two major problems are highlighted: maintaining equity in public access to federal information in electronic formats, and defining the respective roles of federal agencies and the private sector in the electronic dissemination process. The report focuses on current and future roles of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) and the Superintendent of Documents, the Depository Library Program--administered by the GPO--and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). In addition, the report suggests technical/management improvements and statutory/oversight changes, and examines opportunities for the electronic dissemination of congressional information. A list of related reports and general information on the Office of Technology Assessment are attached. (Information formats considered include paper, microfiche, computer tapes and diskettes, compact disks, and online databases.) (CGD)

The purpose of the hearings presented in this Congressional document was to highlight the enterprising, inventive, and imaginative ways that people use public information and ways that agencies disseminate it. Witnesses were called who could provide information about: (1) how federal data is used by people who make genuine contributions to the nation's economy and democratic processes; (2) the importance of making information available in electronic formats; (3) innovative and inexpensive ways of making information available; (4) the needs of users of federal information; (5) the techniques and technologies of information access; and (6) the impact of the high cost of public information. This report includes statements from 17 witnesses representing a variety of agencies, such as federal agencies, including the General Accounting Office; the Association of Research Libraries; the information industry, including USA Today and DIALOG; nonprofit organizations, such as the Regional Contracting and Assistance Center, which disseminates public information to assist in economic development; and public interest organizations, including OMB Watch, a research, educational, and advocacy organization that monitors Executive Branch activities. Also included are prepared statements submitted for the record by the witnesses and four appendices, which include three additional statements, an article from the Wall Street Journal, working notes, and a letter. (KRN)