Freedom of Information Day

Did you know that March 16th, Freedom of Information Day, is also the birthday of U.S. President James Madison?  That’s no accident, as Madison was famously known for his advocacy of transparency in government.

In addition to the Federal Library Depository Program, various internet-based portals exist to promote access to government information.  Federal Digital System (FDSys) provides access to official publications from all three branches of the federal government. The site will migrate soon to GovInfo, now in beta release. Great reading here – from congressional reports to presidential papers to recent bills.

Freedom of Information Day represents an idea that has always been integral to libraries – open access for all.  What are you doing with your freedom?

 

Katie Foran-Mulcahy
Director, UC Clemront College Library