Author Archives: jmcgilvray

New Executive Order will increase government transparency

Posted on May 9, 2013 | 2 Comments

white_houseThe White House has issued a new Executive Order, making open and machine readable the new default for government information and a memo, Open Data Policy – Managing information as an asset.  These documents provide a new set of guidelines for government agencies that will help to ensure a more open and accessible government. “This Memorandum establishes a framework to help institutionalize the principles of effective information management at each stage of the information’s life cycle to promote interoperability and openness.”

The EO specifies that within 90 days the government will “identify and initiate implementation of measures to support the integration of the Open Data Policy” and a new Cross-Agency Priority Goal will be created to track the progress of agencies as they implement the new policy.

This is another positive step in creating a more open and transparent government and will as a result help to inform the American public. As the memo states “making information resources accessible, discoverable, and usable by the public can help fuel entrepreneurship, innovation, and scientific discovery – all of which improve Americans’ lives and contribute significantly to job creation”.

About Jessica McGilvray

Jessica McGilvary is the Assistant Director of ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR).

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Posted in Government Information, OGR

ALA applauds the Senate Judiciary Committee for protecting privacy rights!

Posted on April 25, 2013 | 1 Comment

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to pass a bill that will update the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA).  ECPA last updated in 1986, does not adequately address the digital world.  The Electronic Communications Privacy Act Amendments Act of 2013 ( S. 607) proposed by Chairman Leahy (D-VT) will reform this outdated privacy law by providing suitable privacy protections to both email and cloud storage.

That ALA will continue to work with Digital Due Process to move this issue forward!

About Jessica McGilvray

Jessica McGilvary is the Assistant Director of ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR).

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Posted in Cybersecurity, OGR

E-Government Webinar Video Now Available

Posted on April 16, 2013 | 6 Comments

Webinar video from the ALA webinar “Libraries & E-government” is now available. The online seminar focuses on helping public libraries provide their patrons with government services.

As part of the webinar, participants will learn:

  • How to use www.libegov.org, an easy-to-use web tool that helps libraries serve the e-government needs of their communities.
  • How to use the virtual Ask A Librarian feature through Government Information Online service.
  • More about online resources available from government agencies and non-governmental organizations that deal with issues, such as immigration and taxation.

For the next few weeks, the American Library Association will provide online e-government and immigrant services seminars to library staff at no charge. The next webinar, titled “Taking Action: Legal Barriers to Library Services to Immigrants & Access to Information,” will take place May 1, 2013 (register now). Additionally, REFORMA, the ALA Washington Office and the ALA Office for Library Advocacy will host a free webinar on May 14, 2013 (more details to come later).

Learn more about how your library can support immigrants, visit libegov.org/at-your-library/immigration/programming.

About Jessica McGilvray

Jessica McGilvary is the Assistant Director of ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR).

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Posted in Government Information, OGR, Public Libraries, Webinars

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A week of action opposing CISPA

Posted on March 19, 2013 | Leave a comment

The ALA belongs to a coalition of Internet advocacy organizations and individuals that are launching a week of action to combat the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). Viewing CISPA as one of the greatest threats to Internet users since SOPA, the coalition intends to leverage popular outrage to oppose the dangerously broad cybersecurity bill.

The objectionable provisions of CISPA include:

  • Eviscerating existing privacy laws by giving legal immunity to companies who share users’ private information, including the content of communications, with the government.
  • Authorizing companies to disclose users’ data directly to the NSA, a military agency that operates secretly and without public accountability.
  • Broad definitions that allow users’ sensitive personal information to be used for a range of purposes, including “national security,” not just computer and network security.

The coalition believes that legislation intended to enhance our computer and network security must not sacrifice long-standing civil liberties and protections. Some examples: Contact your Congressional Representatives, asking the White House to renew its promise to veto CISPA, tweeting (hashtags are #CISPA, #StopCISPA and #CISPAAlert).

 

About Jessica McGilvray

Jessica McGilvary is the Assistant Director of ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR).

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Posted in Cybersecurity, OGR

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Freedom of Information Day 2013

Posted on February 25, 2013 | 2 Comments

James Madison AwardPlease join us on March 15 to celebrate the 15th annual Freedom of Information Day at the Newseum’s Knight Conference Center in Washington, D.C. The day will feature a key note discussion with First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams, subject of a new book, Nuanced Absolutism, by author and law professor Ronald L.K. Collins and a conversation on a forthcoming video documentary, “Whistleblowers”.

A highlight of the event will be the announcement of the ALA’s James Madison Award recipient, an award named in honor of President James Madison to honor individuals who have championed, protected and promoted public access to government information and the public’s right to know on the national level. As part of our presentation of the award, last year’s recipient Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) will speak on the importance of access to information.

The day’s events will begin at 8:30 a.m. and there is no charge to attend.  It would be helpful for any attendees to register in advance to ensure adequate seating.  To register, e-mail or telephone Ashlie Hampton of the First Amendment Center at ahampton@freedomforum.org or (202) 292-6288. When registering, please provide your name, title, affiliation and contact information for agenda updates and other news. A paid luncheon meal option will be offered at the time of registration.

This event is a celebration of James Madison’s March 16th birthday and is held in partnership with the First Amendment Center, OpenTheGovernment.org, the Project on Government Oversight, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The conference is also part of the annual Sunshine Week initiative sponsored by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

About Jessica McGilvray

Jessica McGilvary is the Assistant Director of ALA Washington Office's Office of Government Relations (OGR).

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Posted in Events, Government Information, OGR, Open Access

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