Subject: Re: Scanning federal information
Patrice McDermott (patricem@ombwatch.org)
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 98 09:38:35
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 98 09:38:35 From: Patrice McDermott <patricem@ombwatch.org> Subject: Re: Scanning federal information To: gils@cni.org Message-Id: <Chameleon.913905518.patrice@patrice.rtknet.org>
On Wed, 16 Dec 1998, Philip Coombs <pcoombs@wln.com> wrote:
>
> Why do you need to ask agencies to point out their publically-accessible
> information? Don't you have a spider that is targeted at federal sites
> to extract that data directly?
>
> Would it be useful for us to configure one of our extra servers to do
> this for you?
Phil,
I am cc'ing the list on this, because there seem to be
questions -- I apparently was not as crystal clear as I
intended.
What we are looking for is 2-fold:
1) _programs/policies/practices_ that are intended to (or
will inadvertently) have an effect on access -- as
connectivity, as access to info, and as access to services
-- especially for unconnected communities.
So, for instance, Census' plans to only put the 2000
Census data online (with very limited print reports) may
have a serious effect on researchers/activists in
disadvantaged communities -- who may not have access to
the necessary hardware, software, and training to use the
data. Moves to electronic filings, digital signatures,
etc. could also have effects -- what is happening in
agencies with these e-government programs & is access for
all citizens a component of the planning?
2) any changes in the ordering of info that makes it more
(or less) accessible -- a directory of all agency phone #s
would be a positive; moving toward all-electronic
'publication' of consumer guides might not.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Patrice
-------------------------------------
Patrice McDermott
patricem@ombwatch.org
OMB Watch
Date: 12/17/98
Time: 09:28:05
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