House Subcommittee Holds Hearing
on NTIS Closing
The House Science Committee’s Technology Subcommittee held an oversight hearing September 14 on the Commerce Department’s proposal to close the National Technical Information Service. ALA’s Washington Office reports that all the witnesses addressed the need to thoughtfully and systematically approach the agency’s closing, and the importance of retaining its essential functions and maintaining permanent public access.
Testifying on behalf of ALA and four other library associations, Caroline Long of the George Washington University Library said, “It is imperative the essential functions and services that NTIS provides continue, whether at NTIS or at other federal agencies. These core functions . . . inherently governmental . . . are identifying, collecting, disseminating, and archiving scientific, technical, and business information.” Other witnesses included Deputy Secretary of Commerce Robert Mallett, Public Printer Michael DiMario, NTIS advisory committee chair Ken Allen, and Information International Associates President Bonnie Carroll.
Subcommittee Chair Constance Morella (R-Md.) indicated that the proposal would remain under study as discussion moves forward, and asked the witnesses to continue to work closely with Congress.
Posted September 20, 1999.
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