Finding Lost U.S. Government Data: "The Lost, and the Found"

Disclaimer

BRASS Program, ALA Annual Conference, June 29, 1998

Evaluating Privatized Government Information: Loss or Gain?

Kate Pittsley
Business Collection Specialist
Michigan Electronic Library
http://mel.lib.mi.us
Adjunct Lecturer on Government Information
School of Information
University of Michigan

• More a recent trend than a new phenomenon
• Repackaged government information
  • Example: Gale Research publications
• Long-standing direct publishing/distribution of government information by private publishers
  • Examples: West publishing and court opinions
  • Disclosure and SEC filings

• Authority of information
• Variety and scope of resources
• User friendliness and production values
• Budget issues
• Access issues

• Known entity and role as proponent of public good
• Unique authority and means to collect information
• Detailed disclosure of data and methodologies

• Probably not if publisher is known and reputable
• In the case of West and court opinions, information is still authoritative
• In the case of statistical information, authority and usefulness will be diminished if private publishers provide less detailed disclosure of data & methodologies

• Lack of copyright on government generated information encourages variety
• Exclusive contracts and copyrights inhibit redissemination by other publishers & organizations
• Will more obscure info that won't "sell" be published?
• Will older info continue to be available?
• Would the government information not be published at all? Or?

• Publishers' products often look better and are easier to use
• Many government publications were not originally intended for a public audience
• Printing regulations affect "look" of government publications

• Best case privatization scenarios:
  • Reasonable prices & depository distribution
• Worst case privatization scenarios:
  • A monopolistic situation leads to outrageous prices & licensing arrangements; unforeseen consequences
• If priced at what investment firms and corporations are willing and able to pay:
  • Will there be reasonable prices for academic users?
  • Will there be any options for public libraries?
• Effects on government agency budgets

• Private publishers do a better job of marketing and making publications available in book stores
• Copyright issues could have severe effect on possibilities for free internet access
• Networking issues: will it be less possible or more?
• Will costs affect access by less wealthy user communities?

• In some cases, librarians will purchase the products and enjoy improvements
• In other cases, prices or licensing arrangements may be prohibitive
• Encourage private publishers to:
  • Include detailed data and methodologies
  • Provide old information in usable form for researchers
• Encourage government agencies to:
  • Make careful contracts that protect the public interest
  • Avoid exclusive contracts

• In some cases the government has a responsibility to publish its own information
• You can be a voice for public access: write a letter or have a discussion with your congressperson

Finding Lost U.S. Government Data: Collection Development Strategies for the Business Librarian
BRASS Program, ALA Annual Conference, June 29, 1998

• Oppenheim presentation
• Oppenheim bibliography
• Pittsley presentation

Disclaimer : This publication has been placed on the web for the convenience of BRASS members. Information and links will not be updated. Posted 1 September 1998.