Larry Irving, former U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, was the recipient of the 2000 James Madison Award, which recognizes efforts to promote government openness.
Irving was honored for his work in developing information and telecommunications infrastructure in underserved areas, with special attention to improving library information technology. Irving was also one of the first government officials to call attention to the so-called “digital divide,” leading efforts to identify and assist communities that lack access to up-to-date communication services.
The Madison award is sponsored by the American Library Association. It was presented March 16, Freedom of Information Day and James Madison’s birthday, in a ceremony at the Freedom Forum in Arlington, Virginia.
Posted March 20, 2000.