Government Documents for You

Conflict Barometer and Statistics

2009-10-12T15:12:00.002-05:00

The Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research (HIIK) at the Department of Political Science at the University of Heidelberg is a private organization. The work is dedicated to research, document, and analyze national and international political conflicts. The HIIK continually updates the COSIMO-database. The research results are periodically published in the annual Conflict Barometer.

The HIIK annually publishes the Conflict Barometer, which describes recent trends in conflict development, escalations, settlements. This publication is freely available to the public in English from 1997, 2002-Present and can be found here: http://www.hiik.de/en/konfliktbarometer/index.html.

COSIMO (Conflict Simulation Model), is the raw data on national and international conflicts from 1945 - present. The first version of the database, COSIMO 1, comprises data on national and international conflicts from 1945 to 1998 (version 1.3). You can download the dataset as xls or csv. The additional codemanual is available at following link as doc. Data from 1998 - present has not yet been published.

Government White Papers from the People's Republic of China

2009-10-12T14:31:00.003-05:00

The Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China has provided English-translations of Government White Papers. White Papers are authoritative reports or guides that address issues and how to solve them. Some of the topics covered are:

National Defense
Ethnic Minorities
Energy
Environmental Protection
Democratic Reforms
Human Rights

These papers can be found at the following website: http://china.org.cn/e-white/index.htm

Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) Quarterly Report to Congress

2009-10-12T14:13:00.004-05:00

**Description taken from SIGAR's website**

The United States has committed almost $32 billion in humanitarian and other aid to Afghanistan since 2001. This amount constitutes the largest single contribution of any nation supporting the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan. When paired with the $25 billion provided by 60 other countries since the fall of the Taliban regime, the total international non-military investment in the rebuilding of Afghanistan exceeds $57 billion. To provide for the independent and objective conduct and supervision of audits, inspections, and investigations relating to these funds, Congress created the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). As such, the Office of the SIGAR is charged with overseeing the accounting for monies expended for the effective reconstruction of Afghanistan, so that it is internally and externally secure, democratic, and inhospitable to terrorism, drug trafficking, and narcotic cultivation.

The appointment of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, endowed with broad investigative powers and underpinned by independence and collegiality, constitutes a formidable and compelling instrument to make oversight of reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan a reality.

SIGAR releases quarterly reports, which can be found at the following website: http://www.sigar.mil/reports/quarterlyreports/Default.aspx

Oversight Mission and Plans: http://www.sigar.mil/reports/missions.aspx

Congressional Testimony: http://www.sigar.mil/reports/testimony/Default.aspx

Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation: First Edition

2009-10-12T13:59:00.002-05:00

The Homeland Security Council published the first edition of "Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation," its recommendations for responding to a nuclear detonation in the United States. The HSC is a Federal interagency committee with representation from the Executive Office of the President (Homeland Security Council and Office of Science and Technology Policy), the Departments of Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Transportation, Veteran's Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

According to the document, "The purpose of this guidance is to provide emergency planners with nuclear detonation-specific response recommendations to maximize the preservation of life in the event of an urban nuclear detonation. This guidance addresses the unique effects and impacts of a nuclear detonation such as scale of destruction, shelter and evacuation strategies, unparalleled medical demands, management of nuclear casualties, and radiation dose management concepts."

Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation: First Edition can be found at the following website: http://www.afrri.usuhs.mil/outreach/pdf/planning-guidance.pdf

National Disaster Housing Strategy

2009-10-12T13:55:00.002-05:00

This information is particularly relevant to residents of Gulf Coast states in light of recent natural disaster responses.

**Text taken from FEMA Press Release**

National Disaster Housing Strategy Released

Release Date: January 16, 2009
Release Number: FNF-09-001

* National Disaster Housing Strategy Base Document
* National Disaster Housing Strategy Annexes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the release of the National Disaster Housing Strategy. The Strategy summarizes, for the first time in a single document, the many sheltering and housing capabilities, principles, and policies that guide and inform the disaster housing process. The Strategy also charts the new direction that our disaster housing efforts must take to better meet the disaster housing needs of individuals and communities moving forward.

The Strategy promotes a national housing effort that engages all levels of government, the nonprofit and private sectors, and individuals to collectively meet the urgent housing needs of disaster victims and enable individuals, households and communities to rebuild and restore their way of life when a disaster threatens or strikes.

"The National Disaster Housing Strategy recognizes that effective housing solutions are those that go beyond simply providing a housing unit to also address the complex needs of disaster victims," FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison said. "The Strategy reflects the combined efforts of FEMA and many partner agencies, and incorporates feedback from organizations and the public that have a role in disaster housing, whether it's at the tribal, state or local level, with our private sector partners and with individuals."

The Strategy calls for a National Disaster Housing Task Force, which is chaired by FEMA, and jointly led with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National American Red Cross and includes experts from all levels of government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations. The Task Force will focus full time attention on disaster housing, developing operational plans, building disaster housing capabilities, and achieving the vision and goals of the Strategy.

"The Strategy illustrates the importance of federal, private and local partners working together to provide long-term housing assistance after a disaster," said HUD Secretary Preston. "HUD will continue to assist FEMA and others to address disaster housing needs."

FEMA received nearly 500 comments from individuals, industry representatives, associations, and State and local government representatives during the public comment period. Our housing staff has spent the past six months adjudicating these comments and seeking additional guidance and direction from our stakeholders in order to address these concerns and comments. The final Strategy incorporates most of these comments, as well as the input of numerous agencies and organizations at the federal, state, local levels. It includes seven annexes that summarize current disaster housing efforts and programs and provide the foundation to review, analyze, and improve disaster housing.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Berlin Wall LibGuide

2009-10-12T13:26:00.003-05:00

November 9, 2009 is the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. To commemorate this event, I have created a LibGuide highlighting resources available at Mississippi State University and on the Internet about the history of the Berlin Wall. Additionally, in cooperation with the German Missions in the United States, we have books and pamphlets concerning the Berlin Wall and Germany available in the Government Documents, Microforms, and Current Journals Department at the Mitchell Memorial Library.

Additionally, the Mitchell Memorial Library will host an event on November 9th, from 4:30 - 6:00 in the Grisham Room. Five of MSU's professors will each speak about the History of the Berlin Wall, the Cold War, and the lasting significance of this event.

http://guides.library.msstate.edu/Berlin_Wall

Living in a Recession

2009-10-12T13:21:00.002-05:00

The Reference Department at the Mitchell Memorial Library, as part of our continued service, outreach, and engagement to our community has created a new LibGuide: Living in a Recession. Christine Fletcher, Judy Li, and I have created a virtual Recession Survival Skills tool-kit that provides: budget tips, gardening, finding grants and scholarships, and other public concerns.

http://guides.library.msstate.edu/Living_in_a_Recession

We will continue updating the LibGuide over the next few weeks and months as more information becomes available.

Please feel free to send us any comments or suggestions you have!

Report: Nation Not Ready for Pan Flu

2009-10-12T13:09:00.004-05:00

**Press Release from the United States House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security**

January 14, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and former Subcommittee Chairman for Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, James R. Langevin (D-RI), released a Majority staff report entitled “Getting Beyond Getting Ready for Pandemic Influenza.”

The report examines the Nation’s state of preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak. It identifies sixteen weaknesses in the outgoing Bush Administration’s approach to get prepared for pandemic influenza. In addition, the report provides fifteen critical recommendations for what Congress, the incoming Administration, and the public and private sectors can do to achieve National readiness to combat this threat.

Chairman Thompson released the following statement along with the report:

"It is possible that the next influenza pandemic will result in hundreds of thousands to millions of deaths – even here in the US. Further, pandemic influenza could destroy the security of our Nation and Homeland. Yet despite the horrific consequences, we still are not prepared as a Nation to fully withstand the impact of such a devastating widespread biological event.

The change in Presidential leadership presents a new opportunity to ensure that the Nation is ready to address pandemic influenza from a position of strength. The House Committee on Homeland Security looks forward to working with the Obama Administration to address this threat and achieve National readiness.

The will to meet and overcome pandemic influenza is as great a mission as any on the global battlefield. Our success depends on keeping up the fight until pandemic influenza is overcome.”

The report can be found at the following website: http://homeland.house.gov/SiteDocuments/20090114124322-85263.pdf

Measuring Security and Stability in Iraq

2009-10-12T13:05:00.004-05:00

"Measuring Security and Stability in Iraq" are quarterly reports to Congress include: updates on the political stability, government reform, economic activity and budget execution, indicators by economic activity, the security environment, the Iraqi security forces - their training and performance.

Useful charts and graphs include:

Oil Production and Export
Average Daily Oil Export and Cumulative Revenue
Average Electricity Demand and Production
Overall Weekly Security Incident Trends
Civilian Deaths
ISF and U.S. Deaths in Iraq
High Profile Attacks
Ethno-Sectarian Deaths
Weapons Caches Found by Coalition and Iraqi Forces
Average Daily Executed Attacks by Province
Neighbor stability
Government Security Efforts
Provincial Iraqi Control map
Iraqi Ministry of Interiorl National Police Forces Operational Readiness

These reports are available at the following website: http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/Iraq_Reports/index.html

Defense Science Board

2009-10-12T10:22:00.003-05:00

The Defense Science Board was established in 1956 to canvass the needs and opportunities presented by new scientific knowledge for radically new weapons systems. Members are selected on the basis of their preeminence in the fields of science, technology and its application to military operations, research, engineering, manufacturing and acquisition process. The DSB works in close coordination with the Director of Defense Research and Engineering to develop and strengthen the Department's research and development strategies for the 21st Century.

Reports from the Defense Science Board are freely available to the public and can be found at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports.htm

The Bush Record

2009-10-12T10:11:00.003-05:00

The White House Archives has preserved publications, videos, policies, photos, speeches and news releases from the Administration of President George W. Bush and they are available on the Internet. These resources offer an insightful look into President Bush's administration and are freely accessible to the public.

Publications of note:

A Charge Kept: The Record of the Bush Presidency, 2001 - 2009
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/charge-kept.pdf

Highlights of Accomplishments and Results of the Administration of George W. Bush
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/legacybooklet.pdf

100 Things Americans May Not Know About the Bush Administration Record
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/appendix_acc_for_web.pdf

Selected Speeches of President George W. Bush, 2001 - 2008
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/bushrecord/documents/Selected_Speeches_George_W_Bush.pdf

**This blog posting does not constitute any sort of political endorsement and is for informational purposes only.**

Public Response to Terrorism

2009-10-07T17:13:00.002-05:00

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, tasked by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate with using state-of-the-art theories, methods, and data from the social and behavioral sciences to improve understanding of the origins, dynamics, and social and psychological impacts of terrorism. START, based at the University of Maryland, College Park, aims to provide timely guidance on how to disrupt terrorist networks, reduce the incidence of terrorism, and enhance the resilience of U.S. society in the face of the terrorist threat.

START published a research report entitled "Public Response to Terrorism: Findings from the National Survey of Disaster Experiences and Preparedness." A national survey was conducted to study people’s experiences with, preparedness and mitigation actions for, and perceptions related to terrorism and other disasters. The report examines fifteen different questions, with some listed below:

How prepared is the public for future disasters?
What have people done to prepare for terrorism?
What are people avoiding because of terrorism?
What do people know about terrorism and other related topics?
What do people think about the possibility of a future terrorist attack?
How Prepared is the Nation?

"Public Response to Terrorism: Findings from the National Survey of Disaster Experiences and Preparedness" can be found at: http://www.ph.ucla.edu/sciprc/pdf/NC+START+Descriptive+Report.pdf

Other START publications can be found here: http://www.start.umd.edu/start/publications/

Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) Reports on Iraq and Afghanistan

2009-10-07T16:28:00.003-05:00

The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) is an independent, non-partisan policy research institute established to promote innovative thinking and debate about national security strategy and investment options. CSBA’s goal is to enable policymakers to make informed decisions in matters of strategy, security policy and resource allocation.

The CSBA released a report entitled "Cost of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other Military Operations Through 2008 and Beyond." In this report, CSBA offers a comprehensive picture of the direct budgetary costs of US military operations conducted since 2001. The report also discusses the means used to budget for and finance these operations, and includes projections of how much more these operations might cost over the coming decade.

In their report "Impact of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on the US Military’s Plans, Programs, and Budgets," the CSBA assesses the effect that the operations in these two theaters have had on the plans, programs, and budgets of the US military, specifically those of the US Army. It makes projections for the future costs of the operations in these two theaters.

To see these reports, click on the following links or go to CSBA's publications page: http://www.csbaonline.org/2006-1/3.Publications/Publications_List.shtml?

Cost of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other Military Operations Through 2008 and Beyond
Impact of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on the US Military’s Plans, Programs, and Budgets

Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience

2009-10-07T09:17:00.004-05:00

Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience is a publication of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), a temporary federal agency serving the American public as a watchdog for fraud, waste, and abuse of funds intended for Iraq reconstruction programs.

The description below was taken from the SIGIR website.

Since the March 2003 invasion, the Congress appropriated about $50 billion in taxpayer dollars for Iraq's relief and reconstruction. This generous provision funded a continuously evolving rebuilding program that sought, among other things, to restore Iraq's essential services, establish new security forces, create a free-market economy, and put the country on the path to achieving an effective democracy. Some of the initiatives succeeded but others did not. Hard Lessons, the first comprehensive account of the Iraqi reconstruction effort, reviews in detail the United States' rebuilding program, shedding light on why certain programs worked while others fell short of goals.

Beginning with the prewar planning process, Hard Lessons traces the development of reconstruction policy from its modest initial scope to is rapid expansion during the summer of 2003 under the Coalition Provisional Authority's aegis. The report chronicles the difficult challenges that confronted the reconstruction program as Iraq slipped into the grip of a deadly insurgency during 2005 and 2006. Reconstruction officials responded by moving large sums of money into security programs, which ultimately consumed over half of the $50 billion in U.S. appropriations. Increasing conflict in Iraq required a new military strategy - counterinsurgency - and a new plan - the surge - the success of which, seen in 2007, brought violence down to levels not seen since the March 2003 invasion. This salutary development finally allowed reconstruction projects to proceed relatively unimpeded. But by 2008, most of the $50 billion was spent. U.S. efforts now focused on helping Iraq better expend its own resources on the country's continuing national recovery. Hard Lessons concludes with 13 lessons draw from 6 difficult years of Iraq reconstruction.

Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience can be found at the following website: http://www.sigir.mil/hardlessons/pdfs/Hard_Lessons_Report.pdf

Securing Cyberspace for the 44th Presidency

2009-10-07T09:09:00.003-05:00

The Center for Strategic & International Studies Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency has released its final report, "Securing Cyberspace for the 44th Presidency." The Commission’s three major findings are:

1. Cybersecurity is now one of the major national security problems facing the United States;
2. Decisions and actions must respect American values related to privacy and civil liberties; and
3. Only a comprehensive national security strategy that embraces both the domestic and international aspects of cybersecurity will improve the situation.

The "Securing Cyberspace for the 44th Presidency" report can be found at: http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/081208_securingcyberspace_44.pdf

Joint Operating Environment 2008 Report

2009-10-07T09:02:00.002-05:00

U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) is one of the combat commands of the Department of Defense. It is responsible for: Joint Concept Development and Experimentation, Joint Training, Joint Capabilities Development, and Joint Force Provider. The Joint Forces Command released their Joint Operating Environment 2008 Report, which provides a perspective on future trends, shocks, contexts, and implications for future joint force commanders and other leaders and professionals in the national security field. This document is speculative in nature and does not suppose to predict what will happen in the next twenty-five years. Rather, it is intended to serve as a starting point for discussions about the future security environment at the operational level of war.

The Joint Operating Environment 2008 Report can be found at: http://www.jfcom.mil/newslink/storyarchive/2008/JOE2008.pdf

Preventing Genocide: A Blueprint for U.S. Policymakers

2009-10-07T08:42:00.003-05:00

Preventing Genocide: A Blueprint for U.S. Policymakers is the final report from the Genocide Prevention Task Force of the United States Institute of Peace. This report outlines potential plans for the United States, along with international partners, to take preventive action in future cases of genocide and mass atrocities. The fundamental goal of this report is to identify practical steps to enhance the capacity of the U.S. government to prevent and respond to genocide and mass atrocities.

Preventing Genocide: A Blueprint for U.S. Policymakers can be found at: http://media.usip.org/reports/genocide_taskforce_report.pdf

Economic Crisis Reference Guide

2009-03-24T14:04:00.003-05:00

The Reference Department at the Mitchell Memorial Library has recently experienced a surge of questions from our patrons about the current economic crisis. Christine Fletcher, Judy Li, and I have created a LibGuide of resources about the crisis
http://guides.library.msstate.edu/economic_crisis

It is a collection of government, scholarly, and online resources providing the latest information about the crisis and how the government is responding to it.

We will continue updating the LibGuide over the next few weeks and months as more information becomes available.

Please feel free to send us any comments or suggestions you have!

Adolescent Health in the United States, 2007

2009-02-27T11:12:00.001-06:00

MacKay, Andrea P. and Catherine Duran. Adolescent Health in the United States, 2007. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, 2007. SUDOC: HE 20.6202:2007

Adolescence is a period of accelerated growth and change that bridges the complex transition from childhood to adulthood. The second decade of life is often a turbulent period in which adolescents experience hormonal changes, physical maturation, and, frequently, opportunities to engage in risk behaviors. The patterns of behavior they adopt may have long-term consequences for their health and quality of life. Because of the rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional developments that take place during this age period, adolescence is also a time when many health problems may first emerge. Moreover, adolescents also experience special vulnerabilities, health concerns, and barriers to accessing health care.

Adolescent Health in the United States, 2007 describes the health of the population 10–19 years of age. Because the transition to adulthood often continues through ages 20–24 years (young adults), data for young adults are presented in topic areas when comparable data were available. Topics covered are: Population; Health Status; Violence and Victimization; Reproductive Health; Risk Behaviors; and Health Care Access and Utilization.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS99341

Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack: Critical National Infrastructures

2009-02-25T16:05:00.001-06:00

Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack : critical national infrastructures. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2008. SUDOC: Y 3.2:IN 3/EL 2

The physical and social fabric of the United States is sustained by a system of systems; a complex and dynamic network of interlocking and interdependent infrastructures (“critical national infrastructures”) whose harmonious functioning enables the myriad actions, transactions, and information flow that undergird the orderly conduct of civil society in this country. The vulnerability of these infrastructures to threats — deliberate, accidental, and acts of nature — is the focus of greatly heightened concern in the current era, a process accelerated by the events of 9/11 and recent hurricanes, including Katrina and Rita.

The increasingly pervasive use of electronics of all forms represents the greatest source of vulnerability to attack by electromagnetic pulse (EMP). When a nuclear explosion occurs at high altitude, the EMP signal it produces will cover the wide geographic region within the line of sight of the detonation. This broad band, high amplitude EMP, when coupled into sensitive electronics, has the capability to produce widespread and long lasting disruption and damage to the critical infrastructures that underpin the fabric of U.S. society.

This report presents the results of the Commission’s assessment of the effects of a high altitude EMP attack on our critical national infrastructures and provides recommendations for their mitigation.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS101707

**Text is taken from the Preface of the document**

Nuclear Power’s Role in Generating Electricity

2009-02-25T15:56:00.001-06:00

Falk, Justin. Nuclear Power’s Role in Generating Electricity. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Budget Office, 2008. SUDOC: Y 10.2/N 88/4

Concerns about the adequacy of electricity supply and the impact of greenhouse-gas emissions on the environment have prompted policymakers to reevaluate the role that nuclear power might play in the future in meeting the nation’s demand for electricity. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) offers incentives for expanding utilities’ capacity to generate electricity using innovative fossil-fuel technologies and a new generation of nuclear reactors that are designed to decrease costs and enhance safety. In addition, policymakers are considering various proposals that would impose charges on entities that emit carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. Such policies could further encourage the use of nuclear power, which emits no such gases, by increasing the cost of generating electricity with competing fossil-fuel technologies.

At the request of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) assessed the competitiveness of nuclear power when compared with other sources of new capacity to generate electricity, focusing on the possible effects of constraints on carbon dioxide emissions and the impact of EPAct incentives. In accordance with CBO’s mandate to provide objective, impartial analysis, this study makes no recommendations.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS93787

**Text taken from Preface of the document**

Career Guide to Industries

2009-02-25T15:54:00.001-06:00

Career Guide to Industries: 2008-09 Edition. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008. SUDOC: L 2.3/4-3:2008-09

This edition of the Career Guide to Industries contains information about 44 industries, which accounted for 3 out of 4 wage and salary jobs in 2006. This series provides valuable information from an industry perspective for people seeking employment. Here are a few of the questions that this guide seeks to answer: What kinds of workers are employed by a particular industry; what jobs are you qualified for right now; what jobs require special education or training; and what advancement opportunities do these jobs offer?

The industries are broken down in to the following categories: Natural resources, construction, and utilities; Manufacturing; Trade; Transportation and Warehousing; Information; Financial Activities; Professional and business services; Education, health care, and social services; Leisure and hospitality; Government and advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organization.

Information about each industry is broken down into sub-categories: Nature of Industry; Working Conditions; Employment; Occupations in the Industry; Training and Advancement; Earnings; and Outlook.

Searchable database: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS4409

Also see: Occupational Outlook Handbook: 2008-09 Edition. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008.

Current edition available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS51754

Archives available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS4235

Meeting the Information Needs of the American People

2009-02-25T15:52:00.001-06:00

Meeting the Information Needs of the American People: Past Actions and Future Initiatives. Washington, D.C. : U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, 2008. SUDOC: Y 3.L 61:2 IN 3/7

This report is a summary of the activities and publications of the National Commission on Libraries and Information science, from its creation in 1970 to its merger with the Institute of Museums and Library Services in 2008. It closes by identifying future issues that library professionals will face. These topics include: Public Libraries and their changing role in Society; Digital Libraries; Building and Sharing Collections; Disaster Planning and Relief Efforts; Copyright; Internet; Library Education; Sustainability of the current model of Scholarly Publishing; and School Libraries.

This document is available online: http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps92741/MeetingtheInformationNeedsoftheAmericanPeople-NCLISFinalReport.pdf

What Can I Do With My Liberal Arts Degree?

2009-02-25T15:49:00.002-06:00

Gehlhaus, Diana. “What Can I Do With My Liberal Arts Degree?” Occupational Outlook Quarterly 51, no.4 (Winter 2007-08): 2-12. SUDOC: L 2.70/4:

This article offers information for college graduates holding liberal arts degrees and their available job options. There is a discussion about advantages to holding a liberal arts degree, tips on how to focus career goals, how to gain the skills needed to achieve these goals, and how to market liberal arts skills to find a job. One assertion is that hiring managers care more about a job candidate’s skills, like communication and critical thinking, than their major in college.

This document is available online: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2007/winter/art01.pdf

Current Issue for Occupational Outlook Quarterly: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/ooqhome.htm

Archives for Occupational Outlook Quarterly (1999 – present): http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/archive.htm

Policy Options for Reducing CO₂ Emissions

2009-02-25T15:47:00.002-06:00

Policy Options for Reducing CO₂ Emissions. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Budget Office, 2008. SUDOC: Y 10.2:P 75/6

There is a growing scientific consensus that rising concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, which result from the burning of fossil fuels, are gradually warming the Earth’s climate. The amount of damage associated with that warming remains uncertain, but there is some risk that it could be large and perhaps even catastrophic.

Reducing that risk would require restraining the growth of CO2 emissions—and ultimately limiting those emissions to a level that would stabilize atmospheric concentrations—which would involve costs that are also uncertain but could be substantial. The most efficient approaches to reducing emissions of CO2 involve giving businesses and households an economic incentive for such reductions. Such an incentive could be provided in various ways, including a tax on emissions, a cap on the total annual level of emissions combined with a system of tradable emission allowances, or a modified cap-and-trade program that includes features to constrain the cost of emission reductions that would be undertaken in an effort to meet the cap.

This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study was prepared at the request of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and compares policy options based on three key criteria: their potential to reduce emissions efficiently; to be implemented with relatively low administrative costs; and to create incentives for emission reductions that are consistent with incentives in other countries. In keeping with the mandate of the CBO to provide objective, impartial analysis, the report contains no recommendations.

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS90587

**Part of this entry is taken from the Preface of the document**

Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook

2009-02-25T15:46:00.001-06:00

Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 2008. SUDOC: A 110.8:K 64

This pamphlet is a basic, comprehensive guide to simple steps readers can use to improve and ensure food safety from contaminants. Topics include: Foodborne Bacteria; Shopping for Food; Storing Food; Food Preparation; Cooking Food Safety; Special Guidelines for Certain Food; Specific Preparation and Cooking Methods; Serving Food Safely; Transporting Food; Food Safety in an Emergency; and Food Safety Contacts. This is an extremely useful resource for college students away from home and unfamiliar with the dos and don’ts of food preparation and storage!

This document is available online: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS99050

Hurricane Toolkit: Recovery After the Storm

2009-02-25T15:45:00.002-06:00

Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Hurricane Toolkit: Recovery After the Storm. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2006. SUDOC: HH 1.2:H 94/3

This pamphlet provides information for individuals seeking assistance recovering from hurricanes. The authors highlight information and resources for faith-based and community service providers to assist their constituents and being prepared for crises situations, as well as information about the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) coordination of relief activities and contact information for HUD. Other topics covered: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity; Federal Housing Administration; Disaster Relief Centers; Finding Family and Friends; and Small Business Administration Assistance.

This document is available in both English and Spanish and is online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS95706

Oversight of Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery: A Semiannual Report to Congress

2009-02-25T15:43:00.002-06:00

Oversight of Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery: A Semiannual Report to Congress, April 1, 2008 – September 30, 2008. President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency and Executive Council on Integrity and Efficiency. Washington, D.C.: PCIE/ECIE, 2008. SUDOC: PREX 2.36:H 94/2008

This semiannual report is intended to keep the public apprised of the Federal Inspector General’s continuing effort to identify fraud, waste, and abuse with Gulf Coast hurricane recovery efforts (Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma). Activities monitored: Public Assistance Grants; Facility Inspections; Design – A&E; Construction; Repair; HMGP – future; Long Term Community; Recovery and Mitigation. At the time of publication, Congress has appropriated more than $149 billion and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expended more than $35 billion on Gulf Coast disaster relief efforts.

This document is available online at: http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/semiannlrpts/OIG_PCIE_ECIE_Apr08_Sep08.pdf

Previous reports are available at: http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/gc_1161113899636.shtm

Congressional Candidates and Committees

2009-02-25T15:41:00.001-06:00

Congressional Candidates and Committees. Washington, D.C.: Federal Election Commission, 2008. SUDOC: Y 3.EL 2/3:13 C 76/2008

This guide summarizes the federal campaign finance laws that apply to candidate committees as of April 2008. The guide is intended to assist House and Senate candidates comply with the Federal Election Campaign Act and FEC regulations. Interested parties can find information on federal campaign finance laws. Topics include: Testing the Waters; Starting the Campaign; Campaign Contributions (types and limits); Sources of Support; Expenditures; Campaign Conduct; Record Keeping; Campaign Communications; and other relevant issues.

This document is available online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS36736

Future versions of this document are located at: http://www.fec.gov/info/publications.shtml#guides

How Our Laws Are Made

2009-02-25T15:39:00.001-06:00

Sullivan, John V. and Robert A. Brady. How Our Laws Are Made. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2007. SUDOC: Y 1.1/7:110-49

This brief guide, published at the request of Congress, provides a basic outline of how laws are made in Congress. Topics include: the role of Congress; the different types of Congressional action or bills; Referring a matter to a Committee; the Committee process; Reporting a Bill; Calendars; Action on a matter; debate; Conference Committee; and Presidential actions.

This document is available online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS103851

Family History Sources

2009-02-25T15:37:00.002-06:00

National Archives, Southeast Region (Atlanta). Family History Sources. Morrow, GA: National Archives, Southeast Region, 2008. SUDOC: AE 1.113:80

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the custodian of the federal government’s records, some of which are useful to people seeking information about their family’s history. The Southeast Region has custody of records from federal offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Examples of resources available: Original Naturalization Records; Slave Manifests; Tennessee Valley Authority; Draft Registration Cards; Military Service and Pension and Bounty Land Application Records; Census Records; Passenger Arrival; Freedman’s Bureau; and Native American Records.

Records NOT kept by NARA: Vital records (birth, death, marriage, or divorce); state or local records; records from the colonial period (1607 – 1789); and church records.

This pamphlet is available online at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS104335

VA-Guaranteed Home Loans for Veterans

2009-02-25T15:34:00.001-06:00

Department of Veterans Affairs. VA-Guaranteed Home Loans for Veterans. Washington, D.C.: Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007. SUDOC: VA 1.19:26-4/2007

This pamphlet is designed to provide information for Veterans to obtain a guaranteed loan from Veterans Affairs. It covers issues like: How to arrange a loan; What the VA can do; Requirements for the VA loan; Application process; Loan Repayment; and other relevant information.

Veterans Affairs also has a website devoted to Loan Guaranty Service that includes up-to-date information from the federal government of current benefits and plans available for veterans. Go to the Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Services website at http://www.homeloans.va.gov for up-to-date information.

On Point II Transition to the New Campaign: The United States Army in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM May 2003 - January 2005

2009-02-25T15:31:00.001-06:00

Wright, Donald P. and Timothy R. Reese. On Point II Transition to the New Campaign: The United States Army in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM May 2003 - January 2005. Fort Leavenworth: Combat Studies Institute Press, 2008. SUDOC: D 110.2:OP 2/2

This is a history of the United States Army’s operation in Iraq from May 2003 – January 2005, the time following the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime to the start of the insurgency and Iraqi elections. The discussion focuses on the US Army’s transition from conventional combat to full spectrum operations in support of building a new, free Iraq. The book, intended for soldiers and other military personnel, promotes understanding for the lessons learned by the Army’s experience during this period. The research and appendices are exhaustive in their detail, giving the reader a nuanced understanding of the Army’s activities during this crucial and challenging period.

The full-text of this document is available online at:
http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/CSI/LongWarOpHistorySeries.asp#title

The previous edition in this series, On Point: The United States Army in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Through May 2003, is available online at: http://www-cgsc.army.mil/carl/download/csipubs/OnPointI.pdf

Report: Forging a New Shield

2008-12-05T12:42:00.009-06:00

The Project on National Security Reform and the Center for the Study of the Presidency has released their review of the national security interagency system. The report, "Forging a New Shield" is an 830 page document and is the result Sec. 1049 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2008 [PL 110-181]. This PL required a study of the national security interagency system by an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization.

The members of the committee were unanimous in their sense that the national security of the US is fundamentally at risk. They analyze the problems, the causes, the consequences and proposed a set of reforms.

The report can be found at:
http://www.pnsr.org/data/files/pnsr_forging_a_new_shield_report.pdf

**Text taken from press release.**

Among the PNSR’s key recommendations are:

-Establishing a President’s Security Council to replace the National Security Council and Homeland Security.

-Creating an empowered Director for National Security in the Executive Office of the President.

-Initiating the process of shifting highly collaborative, mission-focused interagency teams for priority issues.

-Mandating annual National Security Planning Guidance and an integrated national security budget.

-Building an interagency personnel system, including a National Security Professional Corps.

-Establishing a Chief Knowledge Officer in the PSC Executive Secretariat to ensure that the national security system as a whole can develop, store, retrieve, and share knowledge.

-Forming Select Committees on National Security in the Senate and House of Representatives.

PNSR has determined the following problems with the current system:

-The system is grossly imbalanced, favoring strong departmental capabilities at the
expense of integrating mechanism.

-Executive Branch department and agencies are shaped by their narrowly defined core
mandates rather than by the requisites of broader national missions.

-The need for presidential integration to compensate for the systematic inability to
integrate or resource missions overly centralizes issues management and overburdens
the White House.

-A burdened White House cannot manage the national security system as a whole to be
agile and collaborative at any time, but it is particularly vulnerable to breakdown during
protracted transition periods between administrations.

-Congress provides resources and conducts oversight in ways that reinforce all these
problems and make improving performance extremely difficult.

PNSR Website: http://pnsr.org/index.asp

The press release and link to the executive summary can be found at:
http://www.pnsr.org/web/module/press/pressID/136/interior.asp

The preliminary finding report from July can be found at:
http://www.pnsr.org/data/images/pnsr%20preliminary%20findings%20july%202
008.pdf

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

World at Risk: Report from the Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism

2008-12-05T12:04:00.006-06:00

The Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism was created in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The mandate of the Commission is to build on the work of the 9/11 Commission and complete a critical task: to assess our nation’s progress in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, and to provide a road-map to greater security with concrete recommendations for improvement. The Commission examines the government’s current policies and programs, identifying gaps in its prevention strategy and recommending ways to close them. These recommendations were recently released in a new report - World at Risk.

Here are some of the statements and recommendations from the report:

-Ours remains a world at risk and our margin of safety is shrinking, not growing. The Commission believes that unless the world community acts decisively and with great urgency, it is likely that a weapon of mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack somewhere in the world by the end of 2013.

-Radically revamp our strategic policy on Pakistan. Conditions in that country pose a serious challenge to America’s short-term and medium-term national security interests.

-Develop a new blueprint to prevent biological weapons proliferation and bioterrorism.

-Reinvigorate the nuclear non-proliferation agenda. Nuclear terrorism is still a preventable catastrophe and it is our duty to stop nuclear trafficking and reaffirm the vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.

The Commission's website: http://www.preventwmd.org/

Press Release on Report: http://www.preventwmd.gov/12_2_2008/

This report can be downloaded directly from http://documents.scribd.com/docs/2avb51ejt0uadzxm2wpt.pdf

The report can be viewed or downloaded as a whole as in its various parts at the following website: http://www.preventwmd.gov/report/

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School
**Text taken from Commission's website and press release.**

Maritime Domain Awareness Architecture Management Hub Strategy

2008-12-04T16:08:00.003-06:00

Maritime Domain Awareness Architecture Management Hub Strategy
http://www.doncio.navy.mil/Download.aspx?AttachID=710

"The Department of the Navy has been designated as the national lead for designing the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) enterprise architecture. Execution of this responsibility has been delegated to the DON Chief Information Officer. This strategy outlines how the DON CIO intends to carry out these responsibilities by leading an interagency effort to identify the standards and procedures that will allow maritime stakeholders to exchange MDA data and information more effectively, thus allowing leaders to make more timely and informed decisions in support of the nation's safety, security, economy and environment. By incorporating information assurance safeguards, the MDA enterprise architecture will ensure data is protected and accessible only to appropriate individuals."

**Wording taken from document's preamble**

Joint Improvised Explosive Device Organization: DOD's Fight Against IEDs Today and Tomorrow

2008-12-04T14:53:00.004-06:00

The House Armed Services Committee - Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations has posted its report "Joint Improvised Explosive Device Organization: DOD's Fight Against IEDs Today and Tomorrow."

Available on the Internet:
http://armedservices.house.gov/pdfs/Reports/JIEDDOReport111908.pdf

**Press Release from Sub-Committee, November 19, 2008**

“We have to keep asking how we’re doing in this fight against IEDs,” Subcommittee Chairman Vic Snyder (D-AR) said. “We’ve made a huge investment in countering and defeating IEDs, but we still can’t say that the effort has been successful. We owe it to the men and women facing this threat everyday to provide them the best tools and training to keep them safe and defeat IEDs.”

"The Joint IED Defeat Organization has played an important role in helping our troops fight back against insurgents using IED's to terrorize civilians and military alike in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Subcommittee Ranking Member Todd Akin (R-MO). “JIEDDO was created as an agile and temporary organization to fight an emerging threat. The question now before us is where JIEDDO as an organization should go next. This report will hopefully help move that conversation forward thoughtfully."

Press Release: http://www.house.gov/list/press/armedsvc_dem/SnyderAkinPR111908.shtml

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World

2008-12-04T14:16:00.004-06:00

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has released it newest report - "Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World." This is the 4th unclassified report from the National Intelligence Council in the past few years that gives a long-term view of the future.

**Statement from the Chairman of the National Intelligence Council**

"Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World" is the fourth unclassified report prepared by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) in recent years that takes a long-term view of the future. It offers a fresh look at how key global trends might develop over the next 15 years to influence world events. Our report is not meant to be an exercise in prediction or crystal ball-gazing. Mindful that there are many possible "futures," we offer a range of possibilities and potential discontinuities, as a way of opening our minds to developments we might otherwise miss.

Some of our preliminary assessments are highlighted below:

* The whole international system—as constructed following WWII—will be revolutionized. Not only will new players—Brazil, Russia, India and China— have a seat at the international high table, they will bring new stakes and rules of the game.

* The unprecedented transfer of wealth roughly from West to East now under way will continue for the foreseeable future.

* Unprecedented economic growth, coupled with 1.5 billion more people, will put pressure on resources—particularly energy, food, and water—raising the specter of scarcities emerging as demand outstrips supply.

* The potential for conflict will increase owing partly to political turbulence in parts of the greater Middle East.

As with the earlier NIC efforts—such as Mapping The Global Future 2020—the project's primary goal is to provide US policymakers with a view of how world developments could evolve, identifying opportunities and potentially negative developments that might warrant policy action. We also hope this paper stimulates a broader discussion of value to educational and policy institutions at home and abroad.

This and the other reports are available from
http://www.dni.gov/nic/NIC_2025_project.html

Latest Report: Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World --
http://www.dni.gov/nic/PDF_2025/2025_Global_Trends_Final_Report.pdf

Earlier Reports:

Mapping the Global Future: Report of the National Intelligence Council's 2020 Project
http://www.foia.cia.gov/2020/2020.pdf

GLOBAL TRENDS 2015: A Dialogue About the Future With Nongovernment Experts
http://www.dni.gov/nic/PDF_GIF_global/globaltrend2015.pdf

Global Trends 2010
http://www.dni.gov/nic/special_globaltrends2010.html

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

U.S. - China Commission 2008 Report

2008-12-04T13:56:00.006-06:00

U.S. - CHINA COMMISSION CITES CHINESE CYBER ATTACKS, AUTHORITARIAN RULE, AND TRADE VIOLATIONS AS IMPEDIMENTS TO U.S. ECONOMIC AND NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS - Year-Long Study Offers 45 Recommendations to Congress

WASHINGTON, DC (November 20, 2008) - China relies on heavy-handed government control over its economy to maintain an export advantage over other countries. The result: China has amassed nearly $2 trillion in foreign exchange and has increasingly used its hoard to manipulate currency trading and diplomatic relations with other nations. These are among the conclusions in the sixth Annual Report to Congress of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. "Rather than use this money for the benefit of its citizens-by funding pensions and erecting hospitals and schools, for example--China has been using the funds to seek political and economic influence over other nations," said Larry Wortzel, chairman of the Commission, at the official release of the group's 2008 report to Congress on Thursday.

The bipartisan Commission, established by Congress to analyze the economic and national security relationship of the two nations, made 45 recommendations to Congress for further action. The 393-page report was unanimously approved by the 12 Commissioners. The Commission held eight hearings; travelled to China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan; commissioned original research; and consulted with the U.S. intellegence community.

The report acknowledges some progress by China. Its adherence to non-proliferation agreements has continued to improve. China's involvement in the Six Party Talks assisted the negotiations to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons production capacity. Yet China has stepped up its capacity to penetrate U.S. computer networks to extract sensitive government and private information. Beijing's "continuing arms sales and military support to rogue regimes, namely Sudan, Burma, and Iran, threaten the stability of fragile regions and hinder U.S. and international efforts to address international crises, such as the genocide in Darfur," the report notes.

The report is critical of China's use of prison labor to produce goods for export and of China's refusal, despite promises, to allow inspections of prisons by advancing the specious claim that forced labor constitutes "reeducation" rather than punishment. The Commission also notes that China's government "has created an information control regime intended to regulate nearly every venue that might transmit information to China's citizens: the print and broadcast media, the Internet, popular entertainment, cultural activities, and education."

The Commission warns Congress that fish imported into the U.S. from Chinese fish farms "pose a health risk because of the unsanitary conditions . . . including water polluted by untreated sewage; fish contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and parasites; and fish treated with antibiotics and other veterinary medicines that are banned in the United States as dangerous to human health." The Commission recommends greater powers for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The report and its key findings, analysis, and recommendations to Congress are available on the Commission's Web Site: http://www.uscc.gov/index.php

2008 Report: http://www.uscc.gov/annual_report/2008/annual_report_full_08.pdf

Post on GovDoc-L from: Michael A. Yared, Librarian, Institute for Defense Analyses

National Resource Directory

2008-12-04T13:50:00.005-06:00

**Text taken from website's home page**

The National Resource Directory is an online resource for for wounded, ill, and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families, and those who support them. It serves as an online partnership of "shared care" providing information on, and access to, services and resources for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, their families and families of the fallen, and those who support them from recovery and rehabilitation to community reintegration.

It is maintained by the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs. The information in the Directory is from federal, state and local governmental agencies; veteran service and benefit organizations; non-profit community-based and faith-based organizations; academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organizations.

Website: https://www.nationalresourcedirectory.org/nrd/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=6006

National Science Digital Library

2008-11-13T14:31:00.002-06:00

**The descriptions below was taken from its "About Us" page.**

The National Science Digital Library (NSDL) is a creation of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide organized access to high quality resources and tools that support innovations in teaching and learning at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. NSDL provides an organized point of access to high-quality STEM content that is aggregated from a variety of other digital libraries, NSF-funded projects, and NSDL-reviewed web sites. NSDL is designed primarily for K-12 and Undergraduate instruction, but anyone can access NSDL.org and search the library at no cost. Access to most of the resources discovered through NSDL is free; however, some content providers may require a login, or a nominal fee or subscription to retrieve their specific resources.

NSDL serves as a nexus for educators, researchers, policy makers and the public by building bridges:

• Between private sector and public interests by providing access to resources such as publisher' journal articles, teacher-created lesson plans and real-time data sets from scientists;

• Between the scientific, research and educational communities by applying advanced technologies to stimulate new ways for educators and learners to access and use scientific information;

• Between teachers and learners at all levels, in all locations by supplying content and tools in open-access, non-proprietary formats in an easily accessible online environment.

NSDL Search Interface: http://nsdl.org/search
NSDL About Us Page: http://nsdl.org/about

**Courtesy of Amanda Price, Electronic Resources Assistant, University of Alabama Libraries, The University of Alabama**

Scirus - A Science-specific Search Engine

2008-11-13T14:17:00.003-06:00

**The descriptions below was taken from its "About Us" page.**

Scirus is a comprehensive science-specific search engine that searches over 480 million science-related webpages. This allows users to: pinpoint scientific, scholarly, technical and medical data on the Web; find the latest reports, peer-reviewed articles, patents, pre-prints and journals that other search engines miss; and offers unique functionalities designed for scientists and researchers. Scirus boasts of three key advantages to its website:

1. Filters out non-scientific sites. For example, if you search on REM, Google finds the rock group - Scirus finds information on sleep, among other things.

2. Finds peer-reviewed articles such as PDF and PostScript files, which are often invisible to other search engines.

3. Searches the most comprehensive combination of web information, preprint servers, digital archives, repositories and patent and journal databases. Scirus goes deeper than the first two levels of a Web site, thereby revealing much more relevant information.

Scirus Search Interface: http://www.scirus.com/srsapp
Scirus About Us Page: http://www.scirus.com/srsapp/aboutus

**Courtesy of Amanda Price, Electronic Resources Assistant, University of Alabama Libraries, The University of Alabama**

Federal Reserve System and the Current Economic Crisis

2008-11-11T09:51:00.003-06:00

The Federal Reserve System is revamping their site with new information because of the current crisis.

Dynamic maps of Bank Card and Mortgage Delinquencies in the United States
http://data.newyorkfed.org/creditconditionsmap/

There is also a notice that the Statistical Supplement to the Federal Reserve Bulletin will cease both online and print versions at:
http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/supplement/default.htm

Of current topical interest is the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP)Information page at:
http://www.federalreserve.gov/bankinforeg/tarpinfo.htm

which it describes: The federal banking and thrift regulatory agencies encourage all eligible institutions to use the Treasury Department's Capital Purchase Program and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Temporary Liquidity Guarantee
Program. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. government announced a series of initiatives to strengthen market stability, improve the strength of financial institutions, and enhance market liquidity. Treasury announced a voluntary Capital Purchase Program to encourage U.S. financial institutions to build capital to increase the flow of financing to U.S. businesses and consumers and to support the U.S. economy. Under the program, Treasury will purchase up to $250 billion of senior preferred shares on standardized terms."

Post on GovDoc-L from: Sande Borders, Documents Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library

Enterprise Transition Plan from the Department of Defense

2008-11-11T09:37:00.004-06:00

The DOD Business Transform Agency (BTA) has posted its newest version of its "Enterprise Transition Plan." This plan incorporates the transition plans of Military Services, Components and the DoD Enterprise. This plan provides a roadmap for DOD to achieve it business transformation goals.

The 2008 Enterprise Transition Plan is available at:
http://www.defenselink.mil/dbt/products/2008_BEA_ETP/Sept2008/Data/September_2008_ETP.pdf

For more information on the ETP as well as links to more information on the BEA (Business Enterprise Architecture) and LRP (Laws, Regulations and Policies) go to:
http://www.defenselink.mil/dbt/products/2008_BEA_ETP/Sept2008/ETP.html

For earlier reports go to:
http://www.defenselink.mil/dbt/products/2008_BEA_ETP/Sept2008/ETP-Archive.html

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Audiovisual Library of International Law by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs

2008-11-07T12:50:00.003-06:00

The United Nations Office of Legal Affairs has launched the Audiovisual Library of International Law

http://www.un.org/law/avl

The Audiovisual Library aims to provide free, scholarly resources to students and practitioners around the world, particularly in regions where there are few resources for the study of international law.

The website has three main parts:

The Historic Archives present documents, photos, and digital film footage relating to the UN role in the development of international law. This section includes the texts of treaties, some General Assembly declarations, and certain Security Council resolutions. Each legal instrument also has a procedural history and/or related documents (travaux preparatoires).

The Lecture Series contains lectures by leading scholars on topics in international law, and includes a bibliography of related materials. The 100 lectures posted so far are each about an hour long and discuss various aspects of international law. Most are in English, but other official languages of the UN are also represented. Certain scholars contribute introductory texts for the Historic Archives as well as lectures.

The Research Library provides links to other web-based research resources in international law, including other UN sources, national treaty series, and selected scholarly articles provided by HeinOnline (still in pilot/beta).

The Office of Legal Affairs is digitizing the English version of UN documents related to the procedural histories, and more will be added to the site as resources allow.

**Information provided by Ms Susan Kurtas, Reference Team, Dag Hammarskjöld Library,
United Nations**

Presidential Transition: Office of the President-Elect

2008-11-07T11:13:00.002-06:00

Information about the new administration, including video of Obama's speech on Election Night, can be found at http://change.gov. This is the official transition website, and it contains valuable information on the new government. There is also a blog and RSS feed for the site on the News tab. And there are several places to interact with the information and to submit suggestions and look for jobs!

**Courtesy of Amanda Clay Powers, Assistant Professor/Reference Librarian, Mitchell Memorial Library, Mississippi State University**

Defense Imperatives for the New Administration

2008-11-07T10:09:00.002-06:00

The Defense Science Board has posted its new report - "Defense Imperatives for the New Administration."

The direct link is
http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports/2008-11-Defense_Imperatives.pdf

or if can be found at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports.htm

The subjects tackled in this report include:
**Protect and defending the homeland
**Maintaining capability to project for around the world to deter or defeat
**Bringing stability to states and regions
**Thwarting terrorism and bringing terrorists to justice, anytime and anywhere
**Supporting state and local authorities in providing domestic catastrophe relief

A variety of interesting graphs and charts are included.

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

General Accounting Office Recommendations for a Smooth Presidential Transition

2008-11-07T10:06:00.003-06:00

The General Accountability Office (GAO) has launched a new transition website intended to help make the transition an informed and smooth one.

The website can be found at http://www.gao.gov/transition_2009/

The 13 urgent issues they identified are as follows and are in alphabetic order not priority order:

* Caring for Service Members
* Defense Readiness
* Defense Spending
* Food Safety
* Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
* Oversight of Financial Institutions and Markets
* Preparing for Large-Scale Health Emergencies
* Protecting the Homeland
* Public Diplomacy and International Broadcasting
* Retirement of the Space Shuttle
* Surface Transportation
* The 2010 Census
* Transition to Digital TV

The website also includes sections on:
* Agency-by-Agency Issues
* Major Cost-Saving Opportunities
* Management Challenges Across the Government
* Long-Term Fiscal Outlook
* Examples of Upcoming GAO reports on Major National Issues

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Quarterly Report to the United States Congress

2008-11-03T08:12:00.001-06:00

The latest Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Quarterly Report to the United States Congress (October 30, 2008) has been released and is available at
http://www.sigir.mil/reports/quarterlyreports/Oct08/pdf/Report_-_October_2008.pdf

Their website blurb says "This penultimate quarter of the Year of Transfer witnessed the emergence of nascent normalcy in Iraq. As U.S. reconstruction assistance continued to target civil and military capacity building, Iraq achieved progress on the security, political, and economic fronts. Violent incidents dropped to their lowest levels since 2004; the long-awaited Provincial Election Law finally passed; and commercial activity, spurred by Iraq's oil-revenue windfall, continued to increase. But, as General Ray Odierno, the new Commanding General,
Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I), recently noted, Iraq "was a failed state [in 2006]. In 2008, it's a fragile state. We've got to move it to a stable state." To sustain progress in this direction, Iraq must improve its provision of security and essential services, such as electricity, potable water, sewage systems, and health care services."

Previous reports can be found at
http://www.sigir.mil/reports/quarterlyreports/default.aspx

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Congressional Hearings since 1985

2008-10-27T16:17:00.003-05:00

The Congressional Bibliographies' primary goal is to be an authoritative, exhaustive reference source of meetings held and documents released by House and Senate committees. The Congressional Bibliographies focus on a select few of the types of publications issued by Congress as a part of the legislative process - hearings, prints, and publications. Its greatest emphasis is on Senate hearings.

Much of the work of Congress occurs in committees where members receive information from witnesses in hearings. Congress is interested in a wide range of topics, from foreign policy to finance, from agriculture to public health and sports. The transcripts of committee hearings are of great value in researching the issues facing our nation and the world. The Congressional Bibliographies identifies hearings held, hearings published, and hearings unpublished; and facilitates researchers' access to this important body of literature.

The Congressional Bibliographies project pursues its two goals with four different products.

* Authoritative lists of printed Senate Hearings, Prints and Publications
* Statistics and lists of Senate Unprinted Hearings
* Chronological lists of meetings held by House and Senate committees
* Searchable database of House and Senate committee meetings

Available on the Internet: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/congbibs/

Post on GovDoc-L from: John A. McGeachy, Social Sciences Reference Librarian, Research & Information Services Department, North Carolina State University

Intergovernmental Organization Search Engine

2008-10-17T08:12:00.003-05:00

There is a great search engine hosted on Google for for students, faculty, researchers, and officials who are doing research in intergovernmental organization topics. The IGO Search searches across hundreds of IGO websites, enabling users to research topics such as active IGOs working on HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

Located at: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=006748068166572874491:55ez0c3j3ey

**What is an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO)? Think United Nations or NATO.**

Capitol Tweets Widget

2008-10-15T07:49:00.003-05:00

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.

The Sunlight Foundation has created a widget where users can keep up with the latest tweets from members of Congress who use Twitter. The Sunlight Foundation’s Capitol Tweets widget updates you every 10 minutes with the latest tweets from members of Congress.

Users can download the widget from the following website:
http://sunlightfoundation.com/capitoltweets/

For a list of the Members of Congress who Twitter go to the following website:
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Members_of_Congress_who_Twitter

The road to a Healthy Life: Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

2008-10-13T15:56:00.002-05:00

El Camino Hacia una Vida Saludable: Basado en las Guías Alimenticias para los Estadounidenses = The road to a Healthy Life: Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in collaboration with the Office of Minority Health and Office on Women's Health. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2008.
SUDOC: HE 1.2:R 53/SPAN.-ENG

This booklet is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. Enclosed are the basic guidelines for eating a healthy diet and being physically active. The information is primarily geared toward the Hispanic/Latino community, and is written in both Spanish and English.

This booklet, as well as Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2005, 6th ed.) can be found at:
http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines

Additional information about food groups, nutrition values, and ideas on physical activity can be found at: http://www.healthierus.gov

The Agency and the Hill: CIA’s Relationship with Congress, 1946-2004

2008-10-13T15:28:00.002-05:00

Snider, L. Britt. The Agency and the Hill: CIA’s Relationship with Congress, 1946-2004. Washington, DC: Center for the Study of Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency, 2008.

This is a study of the CIA’S relationship with Congress, from the creation of the Agency until 2004. In Part I of the book, the author portrays how Congress and the Agency related before and after the creation of the committees on select intelligence, and discusses how the Agency shared intelligence and Congress managed oversight. Part II describes what the relationship produced over time: legislation affecting the Agency; programs and budget; oversight of analysis; oversight of collection; oversight of covert action; oversight of security and personnel matters; and the Senate confirmation process. It highlights what the principal issues have been for Congress in each area as well as how those issues have been handled.

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS101665

**Taken from Preface.**

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents

2008-10-13T14:52:00.002-05:00

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents. Washington, D.C.: Veterans Administration, 2007.

Veterans of the United States armed forces, and their immediate families or dependents, may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code. This booklet contains a summary of these benefits effective January 2, 2008. Covered in this booklet are the following topics: VA Health Care; Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities; VA Pensions; Education and Training; Home Loan Guaranty; VA Life Insurance; Burial and Memorial Benefits; Reserve and National Guard; Special Groups; Transition Assistance; Benefits for Dependents and Survivors; Appeals of VA Claims Decisions; Military Medals and Records; and Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies.

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS2622

Evidence of Trends, Risk Factors, and Intervention Strategies: A Report from the Healthy Start National Evaluation 2006: Racial and Ethnic Disparities

2008-10-13T14:34:00.003-05:00

Evidence of Trends, Risk Factors, and Intervention Strategies: A Report from the Healthy Start National Evaluation 2006: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Infant Mortality. Rockville, MD: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, 2008.
SUDOC: HE 20.9202:T 72

The rate of infant mortality in the United States declined by 74% from 1960 – 2000; however, there are racial/ethnic disparities in birth outcomes where there is a notably higher rate of infant mortality than other races/ethnicities. The groups with the highest rates of infant mortality (in descending order) are: Blacks, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and Puerto Ricans.

This report provides information about the national Healthy Start program and other perinatal health initiatives to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in birth outcomes. The racial/ethnic disparities in birth outcomes are described and the evidence on behavioral, biological, and social risk factors for poor perinatal outcomes in the context of such racial/ethnic disparities is reviewed. The risk factors are: prenatal care, folic acid use, periodontal care, infant sleep position, breastfeeding, well-child care, interconceptional care, maternal smoking, alcohol and other drug use, adolescent pregnancy, perinatal depression, stress, bacterial vaginosis, domestic violence, and maternal birthweight. The findings from this study provide an evidence base for designing and evaluating initiatives such as Health Start that are intended to reduce or eliminate disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS99065

Other resources and information available at the Maternal and Child Health Bureau:
http://mchb.hrsa.gov/

**Information from Executive Summary.**

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

2008-10-13T14:10:00.002-05:00

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2006.
SUDOC: HE 20.3323:D 64/2006

The National Institutes of Health publishes informational pamphlets discussing various diseases, conditions, and syndromes. This one discusses Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis, a disease affecting 50% of Americans the age 60 and older. This pamphlet discusses the causes of the disease, its symptoms, and medical solutions.

Look for this pamphlet or others like it at the following websites:

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS99064

Also visit National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/a-z.asp

Also visit Health Information at the National Institutes of Health:
http://health.nih.gov/

Transforming Diplomacy: Engage with the World

2008-10-13T13:55:00.001-05:00

Transforming Diplomacy: Engage with the World. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, 2008.
SUDOC: S 1.2:D 62/17

This brochure discusses the many resources and programs offered by the State Department with the aim to expand the understanding of foreign affairs in young people, their educators, and community leaders. Some of the programs mentioned include: inviting a diplomat into the classroom in person or through videoconferencing, engaging in international exchanges, or browsing the Department’s website.

An overview of the State Department’s Youth and Education offerings:
http://www.state.gov/youthandeducation

The State Department website designed for students, parents, and teachers:
http://future.state.gov

Foreign Policy briefings, videoconferences, or Hometown Diplomat Program e-mail form:
http://contact-us.state.gov

Classroom Resources Online Lesson Plans:
http://www.future.state.gov/educators/lessons

Classroom Resources Downloadable exhibit on the Marshall Plan:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/dc/exhib/mp

Order educational videos and curriculum materials:
http://videodirect.state.gov

For more information about the Department of State:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho

The Energy Star Challenge: Build a Better World 10% at a Time

2008-10-13T13:28:00.004-05:00

The Energy Star Challenge: Build a Better World 10% at a Time. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, 2007.
SUDOC: EP 1.2:EN 2/27/TOOLKIT

This toolkit teaches users how they can be part of the ENERGY STAR Challenge by helping improve the energy efficiency of America’s commercial and industrial buildings by 10% or more. Users will learn how to: measure and track energy use; develop a plan for energy improvements; make energy efficiency upgrades; and help spread the energy efficiency word to others. Another great feature of the toolkit is that users can learn more about energy efficiency for specific building types. The Fast Facts section provides useful statistics to help understand the important role commercial and industrial buildings play in global climate change.

Information available on the Internet: http://www.energystar.gov

Historical and Current Economic Information & Statistics

2008-10-13T10:52:00.002-05:00

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has a website, Liber8, that provides access to the world of economic data and information. The "Featured Resource" section updates content with each Liber8 newsletter. Browsing menus lets users search by subject or source. The new map links you directly to GeoFred, where users can create data maps for employment, labor force, and more.

GeoFRED http://geofred.stlouisfed.org
1. Users can create multiple maps with the same data for all available years, months, and quarters. For instance, a user can create a .pdf of unemployment by state that includes the data for the past ten years.
2. Users can now download all the data available for the economic indicators in GeoFRED.
3. Users can define for themselves the class intervals (that is, the data ranges) to suit their needs.
4. Users now have the ability to save a map to their personal account.

Also check out the new content at their FRASER site: http://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Statistical Atlas of the United States 1914
Statistical releases - H.6 completed 1976-1999, G.17 1990-1997
Descriptions of Federal Reserve Districts (decentennial) 1922-1998
Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization

Post on GovDoc-L from: Katrina Stierholz, Director of Library and Research Information Services, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Meeting the Challenge: U.S. Policy Toward Iranian Nuclear Development

2008-10-13T10:44:00.001-05:00

An independent task force, chaired by former Senators Daniel Coats and Charles Robb and sponsored by the Bipartisan Policy Center, recently released their report entitled "Meeting the Challenge: U.S. Policy Toward Iranian Nuclear Development."

This 94 page report is available directly from:
http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/8448

or from their main website at: http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Online Course: Congress in the Classroom

2008-10-13T10:38:00.002-05:00

September 12, 2007, marked the official debut of The Dirksen Congressional Center's new online version of Congress in the Classroom® - http://moodle.congressclass.org - an award-winning course for teachers. This improved version of the course uses a more interactive approach, featuring many options to engage you (and the instructor) in the course materials.

Congress in the Classroom® Online will help you understand today's Congress and suggest ways to teach about it. The self-paced online course is organized around the twin responsibilities of Congress members: representation and lawmaking. There are twenty individual units on such topics as "What Makes for Effective Members of Congress?" "How Representative is the Membership of Congress?" and "Lawmaking: Understanding the Basics."

Do you teach social studies, American government, American history, or civics? Are your lessons about the U.S. Congress out of date? Is it hard to engage your students in learning about the House and Senate? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then Congress in the Classroom® Online is the course for you!

Link for the Dirksen Congressional Center: http://www.dirksencenter.org/

Post on GovDoc-L from: Cindy Koeppel, Dirksen Congressional Center

Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq, September 2008

2008-10-13T10:32:00.004-05:00

The Department of Defense released their latest quarterly report on the situation in Iraq. The September 2008 version of the "Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq" report is now available at:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/d20080930iraq.pdf

The report includes various useful graphs and charts including: the production and export of oil; oil revenue; average electricity demand and production; average daily hours of electrical power by Province; weekly security incident trends; civilian deaths; ISF and US Military deaths; ethno-sectarian deaths; high profile attacks (explosions); Iraqi Security Forces numbers and more

These reports to Congress are issued in accordance with the Department of Defense Appropriations Act 2008 (Section 9010, Public Law 109-289; Section 9204, Public Law 110-252)

Previous editions of the report can be found at:
http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/Iraq_Reports/index.html

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Project on National Security Reform: Case Studies, Volume I

2008-10-13T10:17:00.003-05:00

The Project on National Security Reform [PNSR] headed by James Locher III released their case studies volume today. This "Case Studies" volume one looks at: the decision to invade Iraq; the national counterintelligence mission; human trafficking; U.S.-India Civil Nuclear cooperation agreement; managing U.S.-China crises; Somalia; Bosnia and Kosovo and more.

This 650 page report is available directly at:
http://www.pnsr.org/data/files/pnsr%20weitz%20case%20studies%20vol%20i.pdf

The press release is available at:
http://www.pnsr.org/web/module/press/pressID/116/interior.asp

Other reports and related information [including literature reviews, articles and conference proceedings] can be found on their main website is http://www.pnsr.org/

The PNSR is a non-partisan group that was established to "assist the nation in identifying and implementing the kind of comprehensive reform that the government urgently needs."

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

The Bureau of Reclamation’s Architectural Legacy: 1902-1955

2008-10-13T08:47:00.001-05:00

Pfaff, Christine. The Bureau of Reclamation’s Architectural Legacy: 1902-1955. Denver, CO: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 2007.
SUDOC: I 53.2:AR 2/14

The Bureau of Reclamation is an agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and oversees water resource management, specifically as it applies to the oversight, operation, or both, of numerous water diversion, delivery, and storage, and hydroelectric power generation projects it built throughout the western United States.

This history explores Reclamation offices and residences constructed between 1902 and 1955. Due to the remote location of most Reclamation engineering works, the Bureau had to provide temporary or permanent housing and office space for its employees during project construction and the ongoing operation and maintenance of its engineering assets. Also discussed are the influence of architectural styles on Reclamation’s offices and residences following the progression of popular national and regional styles. Some of the projects covered are the Boulder Canyon, Columbia Basin, Central Valley, Colorado-Big Thompson, and Missouri River Basin projects. One important component of this volume is the extensive collection of maps, plans, and photographs.

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS93386

Warfare in the Age of Non-State Actors: Implications for the US Army

2008-10-10T15:42:00.002-05:00

Warfare in the Age of Non-State Actors: Implications for the US Army. The Proceedings of the Combat Studies Institute 2007 Military History Symposium. Fort Leavenworth, KS: Combat Studies Institute Press, 2007.
SUDOC: D 110.16:2007

This book explores the challenges associated with conflict between nation-states and transnational religious, ethnic, or criminal groups. It also examined the historical experiences of both the United States and other nations in this most asymmetric of environments in an attempt to distill the insights from the past can provide us guidance into the future.

Available on the Internet at: http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/CSI/CSISymposium-2007.pdf

The annual Combat Studies Institute Military History Symposium provides a forum for the interchange of ideas on historical topics pertinent to the current doctrinal concerns of the United States Army. Furthermore, the Symposium solicits input from a diverse group of military personnel, government historians, civilian academicians, journalists, and thinkers in a setting that promotes the exchange of ideas and information.

Previous reports are available at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS93670

**Text taken from book's preface**

State of Minority Business in America

2008-10-10T15:28:00.002-05:00

State of Minority Business in America. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency, 2007.
SUDOC: C 1.102:M 66/4

This hand held disc provides information on minority businesses in America in the year 2007, with information for every state. Spinning the disc allows users to find out information on: Total Number of Minority Firms, Gross Receipts, and Number of Paid Employees. Also included are statistics on the following ethnic groups: Black or African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.

For more information go to: http://www.mbda.gov/

The Astronomical Almanac for the Year 2009

2008-10-10T12:52:00.002-05:00

The Astronomical Almanac for the Year 2009. Washington, DC: Nautical Almanac Office, 2008.
SUDOC: D213.8:2009

The Astronomical Almanac contains a wide variety of both technical and general astronomical information. The material appears in sections, each section addressing a specific astronomical category and also includes references to the material, explanations, and examples. The book is joint publication between U.S. Naval Observatory and Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office (HMNAO) in the UK.

**Text from book’s product description at Amazon.com**

This information, and other supplemental materials, are available on the Internet at: http://asa.usno.navy.mil/index.html

Presidential Libraries Holdings Relating to Prisoners of War and Missing in Action

2008-10-10T12:42:00.003-05:00

Mayer, Dale C. Presidential Libraries Holdings Relating to Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. revised ed. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, 2007.
SUDOC:AE 1.124:104/2007

This guide describes records relating to prisoners of war and missing in action that are preserved in the Presidential libraries. It covers materials relating to World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and events in neighboring Laos and Cambodia, and the Pueblo incident. The guide also offers helpful advice on the policies and procedures of the Presidential Libraries.

CRS reports on the Financial Bailout Plan

2008-09-29T14:53:00.006-05:00

The Thurgood Marshall Law Library has recently added two timely Congressional Research Service (CRS) research summaries to its Special Collections & Digital Projects collection. The Cost of Government Financial Interventions, Past and Present and Proposal to Allow Treasury to Buy Mortgage-Related Assets to Address Financial Instability have been written in response to the financial turmoil occurring in the United States financial markets.

The Cost of Financial Interventions, Past and Present attempts to answer questions about the recent financial interventions by the government in the business of private corporations. Sources of funding and the costs to the taxpayer are discussed. The AIG, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, and Bear Stearns cases are used as examples. A table of a Summary of Current and Historical Financial Interventions by the Federal Government is also supplied.
Available on the Internet:
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/crsreports/crsdocuments/RS22965_09232008.pdf

Proposal to Allow Treasury to Buy Mortgage-Related Assets to Address Financial Instability explains Treasury Secretary Paulsen's [draft of 9/21/2008] plan for legislative authorization to allow direct intervention in the economy. This report analyzes the proposals by answering frequently asked questions.
Available on the Internet:
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/crsreports/crsdocuments/RS22957_09222008.pdf

Post on GovDoc-L from: Bill Sleeman, Assistant Director for Technical Services,
Thurgood Marshall Law Library, The University of Maryland School of Law

Congressional Research Service Reports, Part 2

2008-09-29T09:13:00.004-05:00

OpenCRS.com provides a directory of websites where you can find almost 4,000 CRS reports. Included in the directory is the National Council for Science and the Environment, Federation of American Scientists, Thurgood Marshall Law Library/University of Maryland School of Law, National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, and the Center for Democracy & Technology.

This website is available at: http://opencrs.com/

The Government Documents Department at the University of North Texas, in collaboration with the University of Texas and Oklahoma State University, also has CRS reports available to the public.

This collection is available at: http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/

In Contact!: Case Studies from the Long War

2008-09-25T15:42:00.002-05:00

In Contact!: Case Studies from the Long War. William G. Robertson, General Editor. Fort Leavenworth, KS: Combat Studies Institute Press, 2006.
SUDOC: A 13.36/2-6:R 8-RG-238/2008

This new periodical from the historians at the Combat Studies Institute (CSI) provides case studies of both lethal and nonlethal missions performed by Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The events chronicled span the spectrum of participants from officers to noncommissioned officers and from combat units to support personnel. The information comes from unclassified material and interviews with many of the key participants in each of the events.

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS88531

Talladega National Forest (Map)

2008-09-25T15:22:00.003-05:00

Talladega National Forest, Talladega and Shoal Creek Ranger Districts: America's great outdoors, Alabama, 2008. [Atlanta, Ga.]: Forest Service, US Dept. of Agriculture; Denver, CO: USGS Information Services, 2008.
SUDOC: A 13.36/2-6:R 8-RG-238/2008

The Talladega National Forest, located in Central Alabama, covers 392,567 acres at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Before it was bought by the federal government in the 1930s, the area was extensively logged and represented some of the most abused, eroded wastelands in all of Alabama. Pine forest regrowth now hosts a diverse eco-system. The tiny 7,400 acre Cheaha Wilderness preserves a portion of this natural wealth near Rebecca Mountain.

More information on the Taladega National Forest:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama/aboutus

U.S. Marines in Iraq, 2003: Basrah, Baghdad and Beyond

2008-09-25T14:20:00.001-05:00

Reynolds,Nicholas E. U.S. Marines in Iraq, 2003: Basrah, Baghdad and Beyond. Washington, D.C.: History Division, U.S. Marine Corps, 2007.
SUDOC: D 214.13:IR 1/2

This book is about Marines during the first stage of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). It spans the period from 11 September 2001 to March and April 2003, when the Coalition removed Saddam Hussein from power, and concludes in November 2003 when the Marines left Kuwait to return to their home bases in the United States. The primary focus of the book is I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) – the run-up to the war in 2002 and early 2003, especially the development of “the plan,” with its many changes, the exhaustive rehearsals, and other preparations, and then the conduct of decisive combat operations and the immediate postwar period, mostly under the control of the U.S. Central Command’s Coalition Forces Land Component Command. The book also touches upon other Marine activities in the Military Coordination and Liaison Command in northern Iraq and with the British in the south. Finally, the book is a beginning to the examination of the early phases of the war in Iraq, a foundation for future scholarship and discussion.

**Text obtained from book’s forward.**

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS99051

United States Army in World War II: The Lorraine Campaign

2008-09-25T13:58:00.003-05:00

Cole, Hugh M. The Lorraine Campaign. United States Army in World War II. European Theater of Operations. Washington, D.C.: Center of Military History, U.S. Army: For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., 2007.
SUDOC: D 114.7:EU 7/V.1/2007

When the United States Army in World War II series was first published, it had three objectives. The first was to provide the Army itself with an accurate and timely account of its varied activities in mobilizing, organizing, and employing its forces for the conduct of war – an account that will be available to the service schools and to individual members of the Armed Services who wish to extend their professional reading. The second objective is to help enlarge the thoughtful citizen’s concept of national security by describing the basic problems of war and the manner in which these problems were met. The third objective was to preserve for the record a well-merited tribute to the devotion and sacrifice of those who served.

The Lorraine Campaign was originally published in 1950, but has been re-released several times over the years. The current volume is an exhaustive study on the Lorraine Campaign during World War II and includes several maps detailing troop movements and battles.

**Text obtained from book’s preface.**

1950 Volume available on the Internet:
http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/lorraine/lorraine-content.html

Glenn Brown's History of the United States Capitol

2008-09-25T13:30:00.003-05:00

Brown, Glenn, and Bushong, William. Glenn Brown's History of the United States Capitol. Annotated ed. in commemoration of the Bicentennial of the United States Capitol. Washington, D.C.: [U.S. G.P.O.] : For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., [2007].
SUDOC: Y 1.1/2:SERIAL 14909

Glenn Brown published a two volume history of the history of the United States Capitol, providing important information on the building and its art collection. This annotated update provides more information concerning Brown's sources and valuable perspectives on his viewpoints and limitations. This book details the history and evolution of the Capitol's architecture, design, and lay-out as originally envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and succeeding generations.

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS92765

Lady Bird Johnson, 1912-2007: memorial tributes in the One Hundred Tenth Congress of the United States

2008-09-25T13:16:00.002-05:00

First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, 1912-2007: memorial tributes in the One Hundred Tenth Congress of the United States. Washington: U.S. G.P.O. : For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., 2008.
SUDOC: Y 1.1/2:SERIAL 15075

This is a compilation of addresses and tributes as given in the United States House of Representatives and Senate plus additional materials, including the texts of eulogies, messages, prayers, and scriptural selections delivered at the memorial services held at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Riverbend Center, on the life, character, and service of Lady Bird Johnson, former First Lady of the United States.

**Text obtained from book’s contents.**

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS95859

Memorial Tributes and Eulogies for President Gerald R. Ford

2008-09-25T09:55:00.004-05:00

Memorial Services in the Congress of the United States and Tributes in eulogy of Gerald R. Ford, late a President of the United States. Washington : U.S. G.P.O. : [Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., distributor], 2007.
SUDOC: Y 1.1/2:SERIAL 15117

This is a compilation of addresses and tributes as given in the United States House of Representatives and Senate plus additional materials, including the texts of eulogies, messages, prayers, and scriptural selections delivered at the funeral services held in Palm Desert, CA, Washington, D.C., and in Grand Rapids, MI, on the life, character, and public service of the late President Gerald R. Ford. Also includes text from Naming Ceremony for the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford.

**Text obtained from book’s contents.**

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS95813

Experimental Forests and Ranges

2008-09-25T09:37:00.003-05:00

Experimental Forests and Ranges. [Portland, Or.?] : Pacific Northwest Research Station, [2008].
SUDOC: A 13.66/2:EX 7

The USDA Forest Service’s system of Experimental Forests and Ranges provides an incredible wealth of records and knowledge of environmental change in natural and managed forest and rangeland ecosystems across the United States. The present system of 78 Experimental Forests and Ranges has been established progressively since 1908; many sites are more than 50 years old. The system provides places for long-term science and management studies in major vegetation types of the 195 million acres of public land administered by the Forest Service. Individual sites range from 47 to 22,500 ha in size.

This is a map showing the location of the Experimental Forests and Ranges. The map also provides a brief chronology of the program and a description for some of these forests and ranges.

Considering a Career as a Historian in the Federal Government: A Quick Guide

2008-09-25T08:52:00.003-05:00

United States Army, Center of Military History: Considering a Career as a Historian in the Federal Government: A Quick Guide. [Fort Belvoir, VA]: U.S. Army, Center of Military History, [2008?].
SUDOC: D 114.12:C 18

Many history graduate students preparing to enter the academic job market fail to consider career openings in the federal government, and in particular those civilian positions in one of the military services. Graduate students completing their dissertation, regardless of specialization (not just military history), should consider these positions. This pamphlet discusses the opportunities available for interested Historians and strategies they should use to successfully obtain one of these positions.

Guide to Coping with Deployment and Combat Stress

2008-09-25T08:48:00.002-05:00

Guide to Coping with Deployment and Combat Stress. Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD : U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, 2008.
SUDOC: D 101.6/5:ST 8

The United States Army published a manual to help soldiers deployed in combat areas. The guide covers: Combat & Operational Stress Reactions; Coping with Stress in Stability and Support Operations; Providing Support to Soldiers in Distress; Helping a Soldier in Distress for Leaders; Coping with Deployment Separation; Sleep Management and Soldier Readiness; and The Injured and Dead. This is a quick guide that may be useful for people preparing for deployment overseas.

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS95861

Changing Course: A New Direction for U.S. Relations with the Muslim World

2008-09-25T08:20:00.002-05:00

U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project in affiliation with the Search for Common Ground (SFCG) organization released its report today. The report is entitled "Changing Course: A New Direction for U.S. Relations with the Muslim World."

The report "represents the consensus of an exceptionally diverse, senior, bipartisan and inter-faith group of 34 American leaders who have worked together over the last 18 months. Their work was supported by Search for Common Ground and CBI, two organizations that specialize in building consensus on controversial public issues."

The report is available directly from
http://www.sfcg.org/programmes/us/pdf/Changing%20Course.pdf

OR

http://www.usmuslimengagement.org/storage/usme/documents/Changing_Course_-_A_New_Direction_for_US_Relations_with_the_Muslim_World.pdf

or as a link from SFCG website
http://www.sfcg.org/programmes/us/us_engagement.html

or from the

U.S.-Muslim Engagement Project website
http://www.usmuslimengagement.org/

For a list of the 34 Leaders go to
http://www.sfcg.org/programmes/us/pdf/USME%20Overview%209%2012%2008%20li
sting%20of%20LG%20only.pdf

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Historical Publications of the United States Commission on Civil Rights

2008-09-18T08:05:00.007-05:00

Since its inception in 1957, the United States Commission on Civil Rights (http://www.usccr.gov) has been at the forefront of efforts by the Federal Government and state governments to examine and resolve issues related to race, ethnicity, religion and, more recently, sexual orientation. Although the fortunes of the Commission have ebbed and flowed with changes in presidential administrations, the Commission has continued to be a vital part of the effort to build an America that is truly equal.

The Thurgood Marshall Law Library at the University of Marlyand School of Law provides access to the historical record of this important federal agency and offers scholars an opportunity to examine the efforts of the Commission more closely. The databases contains a complete electronic record of United States Commission on Civil Rights publications held in the Library's collection and available on the USCCR Web site (http://www.usccr.gov/). The publications are made available over the Internet as page image presentations in PDF format. Each item is linked to the appropriate bibliographic record in the Catalog. Publications are also searchable by keyword and accessible by date and title.

The database is available at the following address:
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/usccr/

**Information taken from the Thurgood Marshall Law Library website.**

2008 House of Representatives Ethics Manual

2008-09-18T08:05:00.003-05:00

The House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct publishes an annual Ethics Manual to govern the conduct of House Members. This year's Manual is now available electronically at the following link:

http://ethics.house.gov/Media/PDF/2008_House_Ethics_Manual.pdf

Science.gov 5.0

2008-09-17T08:42:00.006-05:00

Access to Science Information Expands with Science.gov 5.0 Launch

200 Million Pages of U.S. Government Science Resources Now Available on the Internet

The latest version of Science.gov http://www.science.gov -Science.gov 5.0-was launched Sept. 15th, allowing users to search additional collections of valuable science resources; more easily target their searches; and readily find links to information on a variety of science topics. Science.gov is a free, integrated single-search gateway to reliable science and technology information from 17 organizations within 13 federal science agencies.

Science.gov 5.0 improves upon the previous version, Science.gov 4.0, by offering seven new databases and portals which allow researchers access to over 200 million pages of scientific information.

In addition to quadrupling the amount of searchable content and enhancing the search technology, Science.gov 5.0 now provides links to related EurekAlert! Science News http://www.eurekalert.org and Wikipedia, and provides the capability to easily download research results into personal files or citation software.

Another key feature of Science.gov 5.0 is a "clustering" tool which helps target searches by grouping results by subtopics or dates. This technology was recently developed through a DOE Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program award.

Science.gov is hosted by DOE's Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI), within DOE's Office of Science. In addition to DOE, Science.gov is supported by contributing members of the Science.gov Alliance, including the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, and the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Government Printing Office, the Library of Congress, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation, with support from the National Archives and Records Administration.

New information available includes:

Thousands of patents resulting from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) research and development:
DOepatents
http://www.osti.gov/doepatents

Documents and bibliographic citations of DOE accomplishments:
DOE R&D Accomplishments Database
http://www.osti.gov/accomplishments

Millions of electronic scientific documents from around the world known as e-prints:
Eprint Network
http://www.osti.gov/eprints

Comprehensive and peer-reviewed toxicology data for thousands of chemicals:
HSDB Hazardous Substances Databank
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB

As well as more than 3 million references to worldwide literature on the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms:
TOXLINE Toxicology Bibliographic Information
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?TOXLINE

New information also includes a digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature:
PubMed Central
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov

Cancer-related information of all kinds for all audiences, including support and treatment resources for patients, comprehensive descriptions of research programs and clinical trials for healthcare professionals and the general public, and funding opportunities for researchers:
Cancer.gov
http://www.cancer.gov

Post on GovDocs-L from: Tim Byrne, Information International Associates, Inc., DOE/Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Empowering Local Communities Through Leadership Development and Capacity Building

2008-09-15T16:20:00.001-05:00

Empowering Local Communities Through Leadership Development and Capacity Building. United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research and Office of University Partnerships. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, 2007.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Office of University Partnerships (OUP) promotes leadership-development and capacity-building initiatives as the keys to empowering local communities so they can make the most of their assets and meet the challenges they face. This volume highlights efforts of institutions of higher education help communities and their residents build better communities through local leadership and neighborhood participation.

Available on the Internet at: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS92820

Yosemite National Park

2008-09-15T16:01:00.005-05:00

Yosemite National Park, California. National Park Service. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Interior, 2007.
SUDOC: I 29.6:Y 8/15/2007

Yosemite National Park is one of our nation’s most popular national parks, with over 3.5 million visitors a year. Located in east central California, United States, the park covers an area of 761,266 acres or 1,189 square miles (3,081 km²) and reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, Giant Sequoia groves, and biological diversity. To learn more about Yosemite National Park, go to its website:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/

This map is just one of many located in the Government Documents Department.

Soviet-American Relations: The Détente Years, 1969-1972

2008-09-15T15:43:00.002-05:00

Soviet-American Relations: The Détente Years, 1969-1972. Supervisory editor, Edward C. Keefer, editors, David C. Geyer, Douglas E. Selvage. Washington, D.C.: G.P.O., 2007.
SUDOC: S 1.2:SO 8/15

This joint documentary publication, collected and compiled by historians from both the U.S. Department of State and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided unprecedented insight into Soviet-American relations during a critical era in the history of the Cold War: the détente years (1969-1972). Henry Kissinger, the National Security Advisor, and Anatoly Dobrynin, the Soviet Ambassador to the United States, established a confidential channel to discuss the important issues of the day: arms control, Berlin, the Middle East, South Asia, China, and Vietnam. Through this dialogue, President Richard M. Nixon and General-Secretary Leonid Brezhnev were able to exchange ideas and information outside normal diplomatic and bureaucratic channels. This behind-the-scenes diplomacy helped to reduce tension in the Soviet-American relationship. This volume presents a selection of American and Soviet documents on the diplomacy that led to détente between the superpowers.

**Excerpt from book jacket**

Health, United States, 2007: with Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans

2008-09-15T14:13:00.006-05:00

National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2007: with Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans. Hyattsville, MD: 2007.
SUDOC: HE 20.7042/6:2007

This report, compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, presents national trends in health statistics. It includes an executive summary, highlights, a chartbook, trend tables, extensive appendixes, and an index. The chartbook assesses the Nation's health by presenting trends and current information on selected determinants and measures of health status and utilization of health care. Statistical categories include sex, race, Hispanic origin, education, poverty level, and disability.

The report and its contents are available online at:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus.htm

Evaluation of Earthquake Damaged Concrete and Masonry Wall Buildings

2008-09-15T13:57:00.005-05:00

Evaluation of Earthquake Damaged Concrete and Masonry Wall Buildings: Basic Procedures Manual. Applied Technology Council. Washington, D.C.: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1999.
SUDOC: HS 5.108:EA 7

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiated a project to evaluate and repair earthquake damaged concrete and masonry wall buildings. This project dealt with buildings who primary lateral-force-resisting systems consist of concrete or masonry bearing walls with flexible or rigid diaphragms, or whose vertical-load-bearing system consist of concrete or steel frames with concrete or masonry infill panels. FEMA published this manual to provide guidance on evaluating damage and analyzing future performance. Included in the document are component damage classification guides, and test and inspection guides.

Report of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Management - Phase I: The Air Force's Nuclear Mission

2008-09-15T09:00:00.007-05:00

The just released "Report of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Management - Phase I: The Air Force's Nuclear Mission" is available:
http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/Phase_I_Report_Sept_10.pdf

The transcript of the special briefing related to the report is available at:
http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4284

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Census Atlas of the United States: Census 2000 Special Reports

2008-09-12T08:38:00.006-05:00

Census Atlas of the United States: Census 2000 Special Reports. Bureau of Census. Washington, D.C.: Bureau of Census, 2007.
SUDOC: C 3.205/8-3:29

The recently published Census Atlas of the United States is the first comprehensive atlas of population and housing produced by the Census Bureau since the 1920s. The Census Atlas is a large-format publication about 300 pages long and containing almost 800 maps. Data from decennial censuses prior to 2000 support nearly 150 maps and figures, providing context and an historical perspective for many of the topics presented. A variety of topics are covered in the Census Atlas, ranging from language and ancestry characteristics to housing patterns and the geographic distribution of the population. A majority of the maps in the Census Atlas present data at the county level, but data also are sometimes mapped by state, census tract (for largest cities and metropolitan areas), and for selected American Indian reservations. The book is modern, colorful, and includes a variety of map styles and data symbolization techniques.

***Abstract taken from GPO***

Available on the Internet: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS92179

Legislative Histories on the Internet - Lists & Links - Commercial & Non-Commercial

2008-09-11T15:59:00.003-05:00

The Law Librarians' Society of Washington, D.C. (http://www.llsdc.org) is pleased to announce a considerable expansion of a publication on its Legislative Source Book entitled "Legislative Histories of Selected U.S. Laws on the Internet" (http://www.llsdc.org/Leg-Hist). The expanded site now encompasses almost all commercial as well non-commercial (free) Federal legislative histories available on the Internet. These commercial histories (Lexis, Westlaw, and HeinOnline) are listed alphabetically by the short title of the public law and then in public law number order whether or not that arrangement is on the vendor site. The layout is similar (but with less detail) to the two listings of non-commercial legislative histories presented just before the commercial listings. Each entry also has a direct
link to the history's URL site or to its general vendor site. In addition, following the public law number list for commercial histories, are entries and links to large or special collected histories (such as the new GAO histories on Westlaw or collected tax related histories). Finally, at the bottom of the site are many explanatory notes about legislative histories, source sites, and citations to public law numbers as well as related statute, U.S. Code and C.F.R. cites.

http://www.llsdc.org/Leg-Hist

**Text taken from a posting by Rick McKinney on the GovDoc-L listserv.**

Post on GovDoc-L from: Rick McKinney, Assistant Law Librarian, Federal Reserve Board Law Library

CIA World Factbook

2008-09-11T15:48:00.005-05:00

The CIA World Factbook is an excellent resource to find out basic, but thorough information about a country. It is published annually and contains sections on: History, Geography, People, Government, Economy, Communications, Transportation, Military, and Transnational Issues.

It is located at:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

To learn more about the history of the CIA World Factbook check out the following resource:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/history.html

Slacker Uprising

2008-09-11T15:33:00.003-05:00

Michael Moore has filmed a documentary apparently designed to encourage students to become politically active. It is entitled "Slacker Uprising".

He is offering it for free download to anyone in the United States beginning September 23.

http://slackeruprising.com

***This posting is for information purposes only. It should not be considered an endorsement of this film, its content, or the film-maker.***

The WMD Report Card

2008-09-11T15:11:00.008-05:00

The WMD Report Card(s) that has been in the news lately is now available. The report - "WMD Report Care: Evaluating U.S. Policies to Prevent Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Terrorism Since 2005" was done by the Partnership for a Secure America, a bipartisan group.

The main page for the report and the components is:
http://www.psaonline.org/article.php?id=403

The full report card is available at:
http://www.psaonline.org/downloads/ReportCard%208-25-08.pdf

The nuclear report -- "Nuclear Terrorism: US Policies to Reduce the Threat of Nuclear Terror" is available at:
http://www.psaonline.org/downloads/NUCLEAR%20report%208-28-08.pdf

The biological report - "Biological Terrorism: US Policies to Reduce Global Biothreats" is available at:
http://www.psaonline.org/downloads/BIOLOGICAL%20report%208-28-08.pdf

The chemical report "Chemical Terrorism: US Policies to Reduce the Chemical Terror Threat" is available at:
http://www.psaonline.org/downloads/CHEMICAL%20report%208-28-08.pdf

Post on GovDoc-L from: Greta E. Marlatt, Information Services Manager & Homeland Security Digital Library Content Manager, Dudley Knox Library, Naval Postgraduate School

Voter Registration Information

2008-09-04T13:55:00.007-05:00

On Tuesday, November 4, registered voters around the country will go to the polls to vote in their local, state, and federal elections. Here in Mississippi, voters will have the unique opportunity to vote for two United States Senators in the same year. More importantly, voters all over the country will have the opportunity to choose who will be the next President of the United States. Of course, this is only possible if you have first registered to vote.

The Government Documents, Microforms, and Current Journals Department has created a display where patrons can find answers to the following questions:

* How can I register to vote?
* Can I register here in Mississippi?
* How can I submit an absentee ballot if I am registered somewhere else?
* What form of ID do I need to bring with me to vote in November?

Voters can find the answers to these questions, and much more, by checking out the display in the Government Documents, Microforms, and Current Journals Department. Also available are voter registration forms for the State of Mississippi.

You can check out the following websites to learn more, or stop by the Government Documents, Microforms, and Current Journals Department and check out the display!

Registering to Vote Out-of-State
http://www.eac.gov/voter/Register to Vote

Registering to Vote in Mississippi
http://www.sos.state.ms.us/elections/VoterRegistration/UpdatedVoterReg.pdf

Election 2008 Research Guide
http://library.msstate.edu/research/researchguides/Election2008.asp

A Voter’s Guide to Election Day
http://www.eac.gov/voter/docs/votersguideelectionday.pdf/attachment_download/file

Mississippi Secretary of State
http://www.sos.state.ms.us/elections/elections.asp

Election Assistance Commission
http://www.eac.gov/index_html1

National Association of Secretaries of State
http://www.canivote.org

**The posting does not intend to reflect any one political view, nor is it an endorsement for any candidate. This posting is purely informational in nature.**

Online Atlas of Early Printing

2008-09-04T13:49:00.004-05:00

There are not many events as important in the history of Western
civilization as the invention and widespread adoption of printing
techniques. This site from The University of Iowa Libraries will enchant
even those who haven't thought about Gutenberg and his ilk since their
Western Civ class in junior high. The Atlas of Early Printing is designed
primarily to be used as a tool for teaching the early history of printing in
Europe and visitors can use the interactive map to learn more about this
process.

The interactive map of Europe allows users to turn on and off different
layers on the map that document the spread of printing, paper mills, fairs,
and trade routes in order to get a better sense of how this technology
gradually spread. Visitors can also click on each map element to learn a bit
more, and in the case of each city, visitors can learn about the first
recorded work printed there. Overall, this resource will be invaluable to
educators, and even those with a passing interest in this area of human
endeavor may find themselves making numerous return visits to the site.

http://atlas.lib.uiowa.edu/

**Text taken from posting by Joanne Riley on The University of Alabama's SLIS-Listserv.**

Post on UA SLIS-L from: Joanne Riley, Associate University Librarian for Digital Library Services, Joseph P. Healey Library, University of Massachusetts-Boston

Voting America United States Politics, 1840-2004

2008-09-04T10:30:00.004-05:00

The Digital Scholarship Lab at the University of Richmond has unveiled its online project "Voting America United States Politics, 1840-2004."

http://www.americanpast.org/voting

Voting America provides cinematic & interactive maps, and analysis, of the Presidential elections in the US from 1840-2004. This unique resource focuses on election data to the county level (rather than state), helping users understand the nuances of our electoral history. It allows for users to compare elections as well as recognize the significance of individual elections by geographic region, political party, voter turnout, voter demographics, and more in a stimulating, visual environment.

**Text from Laura Horne's message on GovDoc-L**

Post on GovDoc-L from: Laura M Horne, Social Sciences Librarian, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond

Presidential Candidates on YouTube

2008-09-04T09:40:00.006-05:00

Did you miss one of the speeches at a Convention? Want to take a second look at a speech you have already seen? Want to learn more about this year's candidates for President? Check out their websites on YouTube to see archived videos from their speeches at conventions and elsewhere.

Barack Obama (Democrat): http://www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom

John McCain (Republican): http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMcCaindotcom

Bob Barr (Libertarian): http://www.youtube.com/user/BobBarr2008

Ralph Nader (Independent): http://www.youtube.com/user/votenader08

Cynthia McKinney (Green Party): http://www.youtube.com/user/RunCynthiaRun

Ron Paul: http://www.youtube.com/user/ronpaul2008dotcom?ob=4

CSPAN: http://www.youtube.com/user/CSPAN

**The posting does not intend to reflect any one political view, nor is it an endorsement for any candidate. This posting is purely informational in nature.**