http://www.urbanlibraries.org/stranger021108.html
ULC Captures Best Practices For Immigrant Outreach in New Publication“Welcome Stranger” Though this new publication may not seem relevant at first blush, it is absolutely on target — public libraries should provide formal and informal (read government) information about immigrant communities, serve as conduits to local resources and services, and “jump-start” civic engagement. Includes a free download.

http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/13/media-newspapers-ap-biz-media-cx_lh_0214ap_print.html

The article presents well the tension between AP and the nation’s newspapers. Interesting questions about how citizens will continue to get close-up information about their state and local goverment. This reference came from Media Reform – and following the link was well worth the (minimal) effort!

Thanks to Karen Thompson and the SLA mailing list for sending the following our way:

Does the prospect of searching for government information give you the heebie-jeebies? Well, I have a pleasant surprise for you. It is a free online information service called Government Information Online (GIO): Ask a Librarian at http://govtinfo.org This live chat and e-mail service began in 2004, so it may already be in your favorites. If it is not, you might take it out for a spin or a five-minute exploration.

“…you can ask government information librarians who are experts at finding information from government agencies of all levels (local, state, regional, national international) on almost any subject…”

“GIO is … supported by nearly twenty public, state and academic libraries throughout the United States. All participants are designated Federal depository libraries in the U.S. Government Printing Office’s Federal Depository Library Program. Many are also official depository libraries for their other types of governments and public agencies.”