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Hundreds Of Librarians To Discuss Future Of Public Access To Government Information

Press release from the issuing company

Washington, DC-Librarians from all over the country will be in the Washington, DC area Sunday, October 19 through Wednesday, October 22 for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) conference.  The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) administers the FDLP.  The four-day event is the largest gathering in the country designed specifically for depository library staff.  Federal publishing agency representatives will discuss their electronic information initiatives and preview those still in the planning stages.  Here are some conference highlights: · Monday, October 20 at 8:30 a.m.  Superintendent of Documents for the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Judith Russell, will address what GPO is doing right now to improve the FDLP and services to the public.  Russell will also discuss what GPO and the FDLP can do now to prepare for changes in the future.  Crystal Ballroom. · Tuesday, October 21 at 8:30 a.m.  Representative Robert W. Ney, Chairman, Joint Committee on Printing will deliver opening remarks.  Immediately following, the head of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Public Printer of the United States Bruce James, will focus on the long-term vision for the GPO and the FDLP.  This includes ensuring the availability of electronic Government information -- authentication, preservation, identification, collection and management of Government information.  James will also announce five new Council members.  Crystal Ballroom. · Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30-9:00 p.m.  Public Printer James will announce the Federal Depository Library of the Year Award.  Crystal Ballroom. The meeting will be held at the Crystal City-National Airport Doubletree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202-2891, (703) 416-4100. There is no charge for the meeting.  For additional information, please go to www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/tools/calendar.html. Earlier this year, Public Printer James led a discussion at a groundbreaking meeting in Reno, Nevada about the future of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). With the assistance of the GPO's Superintendent of Documents Judy Russell, Public Printer James led a dynamic discussion in Reno that produced many new and exciting ideas.  "Some of the things we discussed are already being tested, such as print on demand," Public Printer James said.  "I am looking forward to once again collaborating with the library community to find ways of reshaping the FDLP into a service that will benefit future generations." "Librarians are dedicated to public access, they are experts in finding and using Government information to assist citizens with personal and professional information needs. They are vitally concerned with the management of existing tangible collections to improve access and utilization.  Electronic content presents a whole new set of opportunities and challenges and librarians are looking forward to developing the skills and tools necessary to provide this valuable public service in the future," said Judith Russell, GPO's Superintendent of Documents. Administered by the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), the FDLP partners with approximately 1,200 libraries nationwide to provide local, no-fee public access to information produced by the Federal Government and distributed to the libraries by the GPO in print, microform, CD-ROM, and GPO's online information service, GPO Access (www.gpo.gov/gpoaccess). The Depository Library Council is composed of 15 professionals appointed by the Public Printer who are drawn from the library and Government information communities nationwide.