Northwest Government Information Network (NGIN)

The Nethercutt Congressional Papers Presentation

2010-02-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

The NGIN Spring 2010 meeting will be held at the Spokane Public Library and at Gonzaga University's Foley Library's Special Collections in Spokane.

When: Friday, May 14, 2010

The morning session will be held at the Spokane Public Library and will include a tour of the Northwest History Room, as well as, a tour of the Library. The business meeting (which is usually held in the afternoon) will take place in the morning at SPL as well.

Lunchtime will probably be at at location near Gonzaga University where our feature presentation will be held. So, what is our feature presentation?

The Nethercutt Congressional Papers

George P. Nethercutt, Jr.
U.S. Congressman
1995 - 2005

Congressman Nethercutt represented Washington State's 5th District which included Spokane. When he departed office, he donated his Congressional papers to Gonzaga University's Foley Library's Special Collections.

Guest speaker Stephanie Plowman, Archivist for Gonzaga's Special Collections, oversaw the processing of Congressman Nethercutt's papers and will tell us the challenges in making this treasure trove accessible to the public.

Register for the NGIN meeting at:

http://govdocs.evergreen.edu/ngin/registration.html

For more information on the meeting, go to:

http://govdocs.evergreen.edu/ngin/minutes/may2010.html

Washington State Plan--Final Draft Comments

2007-07-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

The revised 2005 Washington State Plan--Final Draft is available for comments till August 31, 2007.

This final draft reflects changes made to the documents during the Spring 2006 NGIN meeting at The Evergreen State College.

Please be sure to read it carefully and consult your dean/director, colleagues, etc.

NGIN would like to submit this document to Library deans/directors for September 21, 2007.

You can download the copy of the 2005 Washington State Plan final draft at:

http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/ngin/wastateplan/index.html

Seattle Visitor Information for Spring Council 2006

2006-01-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

NGIN has created a Seattle Visitor Information Guide for folks attending the Seattle Spring Council in April.

You can find the webpage at:

http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/ngin/visitorinfo-spring2006.html

If you have any additions or suggestions for the guide, please be sure to send an email to
Carlos A. Diaz at diazc@evergreen.edu

Spring Depository Library Council Meeting 2006, Seattle

2006-01-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

Spring Depository Library Council Meeting
April 2-5, 2006
Seattle, Washington

The spring Depository Library Council meeting will be held in Seattle,
WA, at the Renaissance Hotel, located at 515 Madison Street. Situated
in the heart of downtown Seattle on the corner of Sixth Ave. and
Madison St., the Renaissance is approximately 20 minutes from Sea-Tac
International Airport.

The meeting will begin Sunday, April 02, 2006, starting with
registration from 8:00 a.m. - noon, and the first session, New
Attendees Orientation, runs from 10:00 a.m. - noon. The regular
schedule will commence that afternoon at 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The
meeting will conclude at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 05, 2006.

A preliminary schedule of events and a preliminary detailed agenda are
being developed and will be available soon.

For more information on the 2006 Spring Depository Library Council
Meeting, go to:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/events/spring_council.html

If you have questions or comments, please use the GPO online help
service at:
http://gpo.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/gpo.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

To ensure that your question is routed to the correct area, please
choose the category "Federal Depository Libraries" and the appropriate
subcategory, if any.

You may also contact the GPO Customer Contact Center at
866-512-1800 (Toll-free), or at 202-512-1800 (DC Metropolitan
Area), Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., EST.

Goal Five Comments: December 19 - 23

2005-12-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

GOAL FIVE: COMMUNICATION/TRAINING: To establish mechanisms for communication among depository library personnel.

OBJECTIVES:

5-1 The Northwest Government Information Network (NGIN) shall serve as the primary state organization representing depository library personnel. (Appendix 9 – List of Washington State Depositories)

5-2 The regional depository librarian will arrange regular meetings for purposes of continuing education, information exchange and discussion of issues affecting the depository library community.

5-3 An e-mail distribution list shall serve as the official electronic communication forum within the state. The regional library will be responsible for coordinating the listserv and assuring ongoing access. [An unofficial note: The Secretary of State’s IT services are spread quite thinly, and the State Library often has to beg, cajole, and then be very patient before electronic projects are undertaken and supported.]

5-4 Opportunities for continuing education for document librarians should be provided by the State Library and/or other agencies on a timely basis. This education may include visits to other document collections in the state.

5-5 Depository libraries should coordinate with each other any digitization, preservation, and conservation projects occurring within the state or region.

Goal Four Comments: December 12 - 16

2005-12-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

GOAL FOUR: MARKETING/PROMOTION: To promote public awareness of government information and its availability through the depository library system.

OBJECTIVES:

4-1 The regional depository library in cooperation with other depository libraries shall develop and distribute an informational brochure on the federal depository program in Washington and make it available in print and electronic formats.

4-2 Depository libraries should promote documents through web sites, in-house customer training opportunities, in-house displays, brochures, news releases and other mechanisms.

4-3 Depository libraries shall cooperate with and enhance the efforts of the Government Printing Office in conducting public awareness campaigns for the Federal Depository Library Program.

4-4 Depository libraries shall utilize other libraries and groups in marketing depository information.

Goal 3 Comments: December 5 - 9

2005-12-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

GOAL THREE: COOPERATION: To provide a cost-effective system for accessing government documents and information service through the development of cooperative agreements and the elimination of unnecessary duplication. [Robin suggested this section be completely deleted.]

OBJECTIVES:

3-1 Selective depository libraries should review selections annually.

3-2 Libraries should develop cooperative collection or licensing agreements with other libraries to enhance libraries’ ability to purchase electronic services that support depository collections.

3-3 Libraries with large special collections or retrospective collections such as maps should inform other libraries of their resource potential (Appendix 2).

3-4 Libraries may develop selective housing agreements with other libraries for the placement of federal document material (Appendix 3).

3-5 Libraries should follow the procedures in the “Instructions” regarding the disposal of government document material (Appendix 6). The DEPOSLIB listserv shall serve as the official vehicle for distributing documents disposal lists (deposlib@lib.washington.edu).

Goal 2 Comments: Nov. 28 - Dec. 2

2005-11-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

GOAL TWO: SERVICE: To assure a high quality of service to residents of the state.

OBJECTIVES:

2-1 “Depository libraries shall make government publications available for the free use of the general public.” (44 USC 1911). [needs link to cited USC]

2-2 Depository libraries should keep their document collection open the same hours as other major parts of the library when the library is open for full range of services.

2-3 Depository libraries circulation policies should at least be consistent with, but no less liberal than, the circulation policies of the parent institution. Depository libraries should attempt as broad a circulation of government publications as possible.

2-4 There should be at least one professional librarian who coordinates the selection, receipt, processing, storage and retrieval of Federal documents.

2-5 There should be additional professional and clerical support staff to properly maintain and service the collection.

2-6 Federal depository libraries should maintain a collection of commercial indexes, bibliographies, in print or electronic format, to assist the patrons in identifying the publications they need. A suggested list of commercial finding aids and indexes shall be established.

2-7 Depository libraries should provide the same level of reference service for depository materials as they do for non-depository materials.

2-8 The regional library shall provide reference service to residents of the state from its full collection or refer them to subject specialists when appropriate. [The original document referred to “full reference service”. Robin questioned this. There are areas such as patents where the best thing I could do for all concerned is point the patron to the UW Engineering Library—unless I felt like embarrassing myself.]

2-9 Fees associated with the reproducing and downloading of depository publication should be established at the lowest possible cost.

2-10 Depository libraries should assist other libraries in the state through reference support, referral services, and interlibrary loan.

Introduction & Goal I Comments: Nov. 16 - 23

2005-11-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

Enclosed below is the text to the Introduction and Goal 1 of the draft for the Washington State Plan:

WASHINGTON STATE PLAN FOR FEDERAL DEPOSITORY LIBRARY SERVICE

2005 Revisions

[In general I’m omitting any links to the existing FDLP Manual and Instructions because they’ll soon be outdated.]

Concept of the State Plan

The Depository Library Council to the Public Printer introduced the idea of state plans for federal depository service at its spring 1981 meeting. The Council, responding to a survey outlining problems in the regional depository library system, adopted the following Resolution in the fall of 1981: “In order to bolster the regional depository libraries’ capabilities to serve their state missions and in order to assure that federal documents are available throughout the United States on an equal and expeditious basis, the Depository Library Council recommended that the Public Printer investigate the feasibility of requiring each state to prepare a plan to coordinate the Federal Documents Depository Program within that state. The plan should be developed through consultation with all designated federal depository libraries within the state and should address all depository responsibilities outlined in the Instructions to Depository Libraries as well as the Council at the first afternoon session of the Spring 1981 meeting.” (See Summary of Meeting, Depository Library Council to the Public Printer. SuDoc no. GP3.30/2:982-2) Further suggestions for creating state plans were given at the Federal Depository Library Council Conference in April 1998.

(http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/pubs/proceedings/98pro2.html )

The Public Printer subsequently endorsed the resolution as a mechanism for improving public access to government publications and as a vehicle for helping states share responsibility for the development of collections and provision of service.

The plan for Washington uses the Government Printing Office’s Instructions to Depository Libraries and Guidelines for the Depository Library System as the basis for developing its specific set of goals and objectives. It is also intended to create cooperation among libraries through the development of regionalized collection development plans. It is hoped that the plan will result in better use of existing resources for the benefit of library users.

The Planning Process

In 1984, a task force of interested librarians was recruited from depository libraries in the state to work on the Washington plan. The task force, representing academic, public and law libraries met three times during 1984-1985 to develop a draft state plan. The draft plan was then presented to libraries for their review and comment at the annual Documents Serials Roundtable held June 20-21, 1985. The final version of the plan was presented to all depository libraries in the state and the State Library received signatures for all depository libraries agreeing to the plan.

In 1997, depository libraries met to review and draft updated language for the plan consistent with new requirements for electronic access. The review process included an initial drafting meeting and two comment periods during which librarians could recommend final changes. This final version of the plan is dated October 1998 and incorporates the comments received by librarians. The plan was updated in 2005.

[ Robin suggested that this section be reworked and she wasn’t sure we needed to give reasons for updates. So how about:

In 1984, a group of depository librarians from academic, public, and law libraries was formed to work on the Washington plan. This group met and created a draft plan that was presented to depository libraries for review and comment in June 1985. The final draft was presented to all depository libraries in the state, and the State Library received signatures for all depository libraries agreeing to the plan. The plan was updated in 1997-1998 and 2005. ]

Implementation of the Plan

The revised plan will be presented to all depository library directors for their endorsement and signature. The State Library will forward the signature copies of the letters of endorsement to the Government Printing Office.

The plan will be reviewed annually at one of the state’s depository meetings to determine any needed modifications or to deal with any problems that may occur in implementation. The plan shall be updated at least once every five years or when needed to reflect changes in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

GOAL ONE: ACCESS: To assure access to federal publication regardless of format for all residents.

OBJECTIVES:

1-1 The Washington depository library system should maintain a comprehensive collection of current and retrospective federal government publications of interest to the residents of the state of Washington (Appendix 1, Appendix 2).

1-2 The Washington State Library acting as the regional library should continue to maintain a complete collection of documents distributed through the depository system. The State Library should utilize cooperative storage agreements with other libraries as an aid in the long-term maintenance of the regional collection. (See Appendix 3 for a list of these housing agreements.) [I agree with Cass that a one page summary of these housing agreements should suffice.]

1-3 Selective depository libraries will select on a current basis those publications and resources that meet the needs of their service area.

1-4 Depository libraries should consider selecting materials on behalf of, or at the request of, non-depository libraries in their geographic areas.

1-5 Depository libraries should provide adequate space and equipment for accessing government publications. The Government Printing Office’s recommendations for public access computer stations can be found at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/computers/rs.html . [I’m including this url as a placeholder. It’s for the 2004 specifications.]

1-6 Depository libraries should maintain records that identify their selections, regardless of format.

1-7 Depository libraries should integrate government publications into the local bibliographic control system. Libraries should provide the same level of bibliographic access to government publications as to other library materials.

1-8 Depository libraries should explore and encourage innovative uses for automated systems both in the processing of government materials and in the access of information that meets specific patron requests.

1-9 Depository libraries shall strive to include a link to government information on their library’s top-level home page.

1-10 Appointment of new depository libraries will be based on procedures outlined in the Guidelines for Depository Library Systems (Appendix 4).

1-11 Depository libraries wishing to leave the FDLP should follow the procedures outlined in Appendix 7 and the Electronic Federal Depository Manual.

Washington State Plan Comment Period Begins

2005-11-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Every state in the Federal Depository Library Program is supposed to have a State Plan that is regularly updated. It's been quite a while since the plan for Washington has been updated. After each revision, the plan goes to depository libraries so their administrations can sign
off on it.

The draft for the plan consists of an introduction, 5 Goals, and 9 appendices. This draft can be found at the Northwest Government Information Network website
(http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/ngin/index.html).
This draft was reviewed at the recent NGIN meeting, and some problems were found in the Goals. Such problems need to be resolved before it's submitted to administrations for approval.

It was suggested at the NGIN meeting that the best means for ironing out any problems would be to open the document up for feedback and revision. It was agreed that the new NGIN blog would be an good medium for an open discussion on the Plan. Each Goal will be the topic of the week until late December. The revised Plan will be submitted for approval in spring 2006.

The schedule for comments is:
Nov. 16 - Nov. 23 Introduction and Goal 1
Nov. 28 - Dec. 2 Goal 2
Dec. 5 - Dec. 9 Goal 3
Dec. 12 - Dec. 16 Goal 4
Dec. 19 - Dec. 23 Goal 5

Please read the Plan and comment on it at the NGIN blog. Now is the time to iron out any wrinkles in the fabric of our State Plan.

Herrick Heitman
Washington State Library
Office of the Secretary of State
PO Box 42460
Olympia WA 98504-2460
(360) 704-5273
hheitman@secstate.wa.gov
The law of averages doesn't help somebody who's been hit by a meteorite.

DLC Reports from the Regional Librarian

2005-11-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

Herrick Heitman, Regional Librarian for Washington and Alaska, has written summaries of what went on at the Depository Library Council (DLC) meeting in Washington, D.C.

You can find some of his perceptions at:

http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/ngin/dlcreports-fall2005.html

If you want to contribute to the DLC Reports for Fall 2005, please be sure to email to Carlos A. Diaz at diazc@evergreen.edu

Washington State Plan

2005-10-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

A committee of four that includes Cass Hartnett, Robin Clausen, Carlos A. Diaz, and Herrick Heitman took a look at the Washington State Plan and saw that it needed to be revised.

A draft of the plan is available as a Word document at:

http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/ngin/stateplan2005-draft.doc

Please be sure to read the state plan for discussion at the NGIN meeting.

Fall 2005 NGIN Meeting Agenda Available

2005-10-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Fall 2005 NGIN Meeting agenda is now available for your perusal at:

http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/ngin/nov7-2005.html

We definitely have a good program ahead for Monday, November 7, 2005 at the Seattle Public Library.

Fall 2005 GPO Conference

2005-10-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

I was so pleased to see so many folks from depositories from the Pacific Northwest region. Coordinators from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho met at America at Union Station in Washington, D.C. for a nice friendly meal. A good time was had by all.

Different days of the conference had a different focus. One day was primarily discussion about authentication, another on envisioning, another on the Federal Depository Library Manual and the last day focused on Public Printer of the United States Bruce James.

Information pertaining to authentication of government documents can be found at:

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/authentication/

Be sure to check the .pdf showing each type as a "official" one, an updated one, and an "unofficial" one. Much discussion was made over the use of "Official" and "official." The first titles to get the new authentication logo will be the bills. The folks at GPO are speaking with the various agencies and the Federal judiciary. Talks with the latter is very important because thus far, only the printed version of court cases, etc. are seen as the "Official" version. If GPO can get the Federal judiciary to accept the online version as "Official" that would make it possible for other government agencies to jump on the bandwagon.

During the Envisioning day, we were placed in small groups in order to discuss questions brought up by the mediators. You could tell the questions were carefully worded in order to get the appropriate response from the groups.

PPOTUS Bruce James speech was not of much significance. He spent a lot of time selling the idea that getting rid of the current historic and magnificent looking GPO building was what was best for GPO. That monies spent from problems arising in maintaining the old building would go into the FDLP, hence, a new glass modern building would benefit us in the long run.
Monies from the sale of the property would be used to build a new building.

The most prooductive presentation from the conference was the disaster relief program that featured the University of Georgia's fire. The fire happened in the government documents collection and was caused by an arsonist. The presentation asked some good and interesting questions such as:

Are the firefighters in your area trained to control fires in liraries?
Is your government documents collection insured? Many depository coordinators were surprised to find out they were not.
Do you have a current disaster relief plan?

All very good questions to ponder.

New!! NGIN Blog

2005-08-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to NGIN's new blog...yes, we have entered the 21st century by entering the blog world. I hope you find this to your liking. The blog will replace the message board we had on the website (it kept giving us some problems). I was inspired by Cass' email to GOVDOC-L about our reluctance to blog....so, here it is.

Begin posting to your heart's content. There is so much to talk about.

NGIN will be having its Fall conference in November. What would you like to see as part of the agenda?

How can we, as PNW depositories, work together in an all-electronic depository system?

Got any new ideas for digitizing projects?

What does James Dean have to do with NGIN?

Find the answer at: http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/ngin/wla2006presenters.html