Office for Information Technology Policy

1615 New Hampshire Ave NW
First Floor
Washington, DC 20009-2520

Phone: 202-628-8410
Fax: 202-628-8419

News

Video posted of “D Is For Digitize” Google Book Settlement Conference at NYLS
The great folks over at New York Law School who put together the “D Is For Digitize” conference on the Google Book Settlement have uploaded video recordings of all the sessions (click on linked program titles to go to the video). OITP’s Carrie Russell spoke at Friday’s “P is for Public” session. In addition, Peter Hirtle has written up nice summaries of the proceedings (click through for day 2, 3). Thanks again to James and NYLS for hosting this thought-provoking and well-organized event. Also, check out Daniel Reetz’s public domain photos of the DIY portable book scanner he demoed at the conference.

Fiber to the Library
The ALA Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) has released the official version of its policy brief, “Fiber to the Library: How Public Libraries Can Benefit.” The purpose of this paper is to assist libraries in understanding the benefits of fiber optic technology and to suggest strategies they can consider when exploring how to obtain fiber connectivity. This paper provides background information and arguments that may be useful in library community applications to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

This policy brief (No. 1) represents the first publication in a newly structured OITP Policy Brief series of signed papers. Subsequent policy briefs are expected to be released in the coming months.

LITA National Forum
Last month, OITP participated at the 2009 LITA National Forum in Salt Lake City. OITP talked about some of the policy considerations in libraries adopting mobile devices and services, such as digital copyright and content licensing, digital rights management, user privacy, and accessibility. Read more....

ALA Washington Office News and Media Archives

Publications

People

OITP depends on a variety of consultants and committees as well as the staff to accomplish OITP Mission and goals. OITP people index

Programs

OITP’s work focuses on three areas: public access to information, network and connectivity issues, and the role of America's libraries in the 21st century. In addition to these three areas of expertise, OITP maintains a Fellows Program in order to hear from experts in related fields and stay abreast of cutting edge issues facing libraries today.

General Information

Interested in learning more about OITP? Read our mission and history. Learn how our work is funded by a number of foundations. See how you can be involved and make a difference for libraries nationwide.