F e d e r a l    D e p o s i t o r y    L i b r a r y    P r o g r a m

  

                              ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

              Newsletter of the Federal Depository Library Program

                 

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                                 August 15, 2002
                               GP 3.16/3-2:23/ 11
                                (Vol. 23, no. 11)

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                 LPS Letter Encourages Attendance at Conference

[The following letter was sent to all depository library directors via U.S.
Postal Service.]

August 9, 2002

Dear Library Director:

This has been a difficult year in many ways for libraries and librarians across
the country. With the tragedies of September 11, 2001 still fresh in our mind,
the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and the program libraries have had
to deal with changes in information dissemination policy and new security
requirements associated with access to public information. We continue the
transition to a more electronic FDLP, with over 60% of all new depository
resources being disseminated in an electronic format. The networked world, while
decreasing geographic distances as barriers to obtaining information, brings new
challenges. Librarians are needed more than ever to provide training and
assistance to users in accessing Government information. They need to keep
up-to-date on issues and take advantage of educational and training
opportunities to expand their skills in dealing with rapid technological change.

The 2002 Federal Depository Library Conference, held in conjunction with the
fall meeting of the Depository Library Council, offers just such an opportunity.
It presents an array of programs designed for experienced library staff as well
as the beginning depository librarian or technician. A number of Federal
agencies will discuss their information initiatives and preview those still in
the planning stages. Tours of Senate Library, National Air & Space Museum,
Dibner Library of the History of Science & Technology, the Department of Justice
Library, and Library Programs Service at the U.S. Government Printing Office
will be available.

This is the largest meeting in the country designed specifically for depository
library staff. The conference will be held from October 21-23, 2002, in
Arlington, Virginia. A Regional librarians’ meeting is scheduled for October 20.
As your library administers a Federal depository, I encourage you to send at
least one library representative to this important conference.

The joint Federal Depository Library Conference and Depository Library Council
meeting provide a valuable opportunity for input into the planning process for
the operation of the FDLP as well as an opportunity for the exchange of ideas
among depository librarians. The meeting should lead to technical innovations in
the management of your depository collection as well as improved service to your
patrons.

There is no registration fee for the Federal Depository Library Conference,
Regional librarians’ meeting, or Depository Library Council meeting.

Thank you for your cooperation and for your continuing role in the support of
the public’s ability to be informed about their government through the Federal
Depository Library Program.

Sincerely,

GIL BALDWIN
Director, Library Programs Service