In 1997, the Committee on Rules and Administration proposed revisions to Title 44 to (1) resolve the constitutional separation of powers issue; (2) establish an effective compliance mechanism; (3) ensure public access and protecting the Depository Library Program; and (4) deal with new information technologies. Unfortunately, this important piece of legislation never passed. Library communities are still dealing with ways to make government information more accessible in an ever-changing environment. The following is past action taken by ARL and others in regards to revising Title 44.
The Inter-Association Working Group on Government Information Policy (IAWG) was a cooperative team of representatives from seven major library associations working to enhance public access to government information through the revision of U.S.C. Title 44.
IAWG Letters (6/97 and 10/97) to Committee on Rules and Administration concerning Title 44 amendments
Recommendations by ARL and others to the Committee on Rules and Administration for amending Title 44
Statement by Barbara J. Ford Executive Director, University Library Services Virginia Commonwealth University
