020.65 ACCESS TO U.S. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION VIA THE INTERNET by Charles R. McClure cmcclure@suvm.acs.syr.edu Increasingly, U.S. government information can be accessed via the Internet. Furthermore, recent policy initiatives are likely to increase both the amount and the scope of this information. With increased pressures on Federal agencies to reduce costs for information management activities and yet increase access to government information, making information accessible via the Internet seems to be a strategy with increased agency support. Moreover, the evolving Federal information policy system is encouraging this development. As an example, a number of Federal agencies currently maintain archives of reports and information easily accessible via the Internet. One example is the National Science Foundation (NSF), where a range of reports, information about funding opportunities, and other information can be accessed via the Internet. Another example is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) _Master Directory_, which is an information inventory/locator system to a range of other scientific information. The _Master Directory_ can be searched directly via Internet--as opposed to other information resources that agencies put up on file servers that are "archival" in the sense that they are intended to be downloaded but not searched. Numerous other examples can be provided describing Federal agencies' uses of the Internet. Agency-based bulletin boards and lists are being developed (or are already in operation) which can be accessed via the Internet. Indeed, there is no comprehensive listing of what government lists, bulletin boards, and databases are, in fact, available via the Internet and how to access them. But, the key point is that such uses and applications are likely to grow exponentially over the next few years. Indeed, the current policy framework is encouraging agencies to exploit the Internet. The High Performance Computing Act of 1991 Language contained in the High Performance Computing Act (HPCA) of 1991 (P.L. 102-194) is relatively specific in its intent. Section 101 (2) (E) states: The Program [the High Performance Computing and the National Research Network] shall provide for improved dissemination of Federal agency data and electronic information. Section 102 (b) states: Federal agencies and departments shall work with private network service providers, State and local agencies, libraries, educational institutions and organizations, and others as appropriate, in order to ensure that the researchers, educators, and students have access, as appropriate, to the Network. The Network is to provide users with appropriate access to high-performance computing systems, electronic information resources, other research facilities and libraries. In short, the HPCA has set a tone for Federal agencies to use the Internet for the dissemination of government information, and it encourages agencies to work cooperatively with other groups in increasing access to a range of electronic information--including government information. Other Policy Initiatives In addition to the language contained in P.L. 102-194, a number of other policy initiatives are currently being considered that will influence the development of Federal dissemination of government information via the Internet or in electronic format: o _Reauthorization of the Paperwork Reduction of Act of 1991_ [S. 1044: Glenn Bill; S. 1139: Nunn Bill]; includes language on electronic information dissemination and role of the Office of Management, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OMB- OIRA). o _Government Printing Office Wide Information Network for Data Online Act of 1991_ (WINDO) [H.R. 2772]; "The Superintendent of Documents under the direction of the Public Printer, shall establish a program for proving to the public access to public electronic information. Such a program will provide a single point of access to a wide range of government electronic databases..." o _Improvement of Information Access Act_ [H.R. 3459]; deals with standards, pricing, and access to government information-- especially in electronic format (Rep. Owens). Additional responsibilities are given to agencies for managing and disseminating government information. o _American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991_, [P.L. 102-245]: "Within 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [November, 1992], the Secretary shall report. . . on the feasibility of establishing and operating a Federal Online Information Product Catalog (FEDLINE) at the National Technical Information Service which would serve as a comprehensive inventory and authoritative register of information products and services disseminated by the Federal government and assist agencies and the public in locating Federal Government information [Title V section 506]. o Government Wide Information Inventory Locator System. (3) Study funded by OMB-OIRA [Available from OMB-OIRA or through the ERIC Clearinghouse as ED 326-247]. Follow-up study now in process that will identify existing Federal information locator systems and determine the feasibility of government wide access to these locators as well as making them available over the Internet. o Revision of OMB Circular A-130, "Management of Federal Information Resources" [Federal Register 56, March 4, 1991, pp. 9026-9028]. The October 1, 1991 Federal Register, p. 49826 indicated that the Draft Revision of A-130 will be made available by January 31, 1991 and a range of existing OMB Circulars related to information management will be re-organized and revised. Specific responsibilities and requirements for agencies' management and dissemination of information will be updated and revised. o _GPO/2001: Vision for a New Millennium_ [Government Printing Office, 1992]. A strategic plan for the GPO that would develop, among other initiatives, (1) FIND: a Federal information directory, a comprehensive Federal information product and service locator system, (2) SEND, a satellite electronic network dissemination system that would provide a daily satellite-based dissemination of information products and services, and (3) INTERACT, an interactive on-line electronic communication system that would provide, on demand, electronic information. These are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of current Federal information policy initiatives that have potential impact on the dissemination of electronic information via the Internet. They do, however, suggest that increased pressure will be placed on Federal agencies to disseminate information electronically, and thus, via the Internet.