Notable Government Documents 2005: Opportunity, Vision, Change

Despite disaster responses of a seldom seen magnitude, a checkered record of voter approval and rejection of library funding initiatives, and the reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act, libraries continue to make information, including government documents, available to users through new and traditional services. In 2005, government at every level continued to tackle issues impacting their ability to deliver information. Libraries followed suit through their efforts to make information in all formats available for users both now and in the future.

Government vision & change

The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), along with its advisory Depository Library Council (DLC), proceeded to plan and implement a vision for the future federal depository system. To that end, GPO introduced its new online catalog, a major step toward the intended comprehensive and authoritative National Bibliography of U.S. Government Publications. The DLC's recently released Knowledge Will Forever Govern: A Vision Statement for Federal Depository Libraries in the 21st Century engaged participants at the group's spring meeting.

The Canadian government outlined broad directions for its depository library program, while at the local level a Canadian Association of Research Libraries study examined the status of the collection and preservation of the web-based information published by the provinces and territories. Surprisingly, it found that the situation among jurisdictions ranged from very ambitious efforts to the complete lack of organized programs.

Not only did these governmental projects address e-government information itself, but, perhaps even more important, they employed electronic avenues for communication, discussion, management, and implementation of the changes. For instance, blogs such as that of the United Nations (unhq-appspub-01.un.org/lib/dhlrefweblog.nsf), featured here as a notable document, and the GPO (dlcvisionoutline.blogspot.com), created for open discussion of the visioning process, joined the GPO Wiki (wikihost.org/wikis/nextsteps/programm/gebo.prg) and RSS feed (www.gpoaccess.gov/rss/index.html). Finally, of particular note, GPO responded to recent natural disasters by creating a web site to assist depository libraries in replacing lost collections.

Opportunities taken

Noted accomplishments in improving access to government information must include the success of government web sites, which, overall, garnered a slightly higher satisfaction ranking from the public as noted in the October 2005 American Customer Satisfaction Index by the University of Michigan Business School. The National Institutes of Health is making its research available through PubMed, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission restored more than 70,000 documents to its online public library after reviewing them for security sensitivity.

THOMAS, the popular U.S. legislative site, was redesigned, while the FirstGov search engine and general gateway to U.S. government information has been upgraded. Such positive news is balanced by the ongoing concern about the increase in government secrecy as described by the OpenTheGovernment.org group's latest annual report, Secrecy Report Card 2005. OpenTheGovernment.org is a unique coalition of journalists and consumer and good government organizations.

Libraries change

For libraries, the success of services is more and more directly dependent upon access to the web. The good news is that according to Public Libraries and the Internet 2004: Survey Results and Findings, funded by the American Library Association, overall Internet availability in public libraries has vastly increased since the 1994 survey, even though libraries face ongoing challenges in securing effective and sufficient access. Robust and stable connectivity is becoming increasingly necessary as government information migrates to the Internet. For instance, the 2005 IRS tax forms were distributed to very few libraries on paper as users were instead directed to the electronic versions.

While libraries face other issues, such as the possibility that the Environmental Protection Agency's network of 27 libraries may be closed within the proposed FY07 federal budget, the designation of the New Mexico State Library (NMSL) as the 2005 Federal Depository Library of the Year demonstrates yet again what a powerful combination libraries and government information can be. Recognized for the New Mexico State Digital Archive and the Docs on Wheels bookmobile service among other innovative services and collections, NMSL has made the most of digital opportunities while still promoting traditional services.

The 2005 list

Over the last few years, this annual review has noted the inevitable yet exciting and promising journey from print to e-documents at all governmental levels, with the resulting opportunities and obstacles that accompany such major changes. Last year was no different, with more and more titles either solely electronic or electronic and paper (about 50 percent of the total output is electronic). Yet through participation in the GPO visioning project and its digital initiatives, libraries are finding themselves planted more firmly on electronic ground. Still, print or web site, government publications consistently provide expert advice in subjects essential to helping us with everyday issues. They bring an informed and unique level of scrutiny to vital concerns, acknowledge significant historical events, and commemorate natural wonders and artistry.

FEDERAL DOCUMENTS

Building America: Research Is Leading the Way to Zero Energy Homes. U.S. Dept. of Energy. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 901 D St. SW, Washington, DC 20240; www.buildingamerica.gov. 2005. SuDoc # E 10.2:B 86. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS65042.

An overview of the Department of Energy's "Building America Program," a public/private partnership dedicated to promoting the potential of "Zero Energy." The initiative seeks to foster residential housing and homes that generate all the power necessary for domestic functions from local, renewable resources.

Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the U.S. Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction: Report to the President. Commission of the Intelligence Capabilities of the U.S. Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. 2005. SuDoc # PREX 1.19:IN 8/W 37. Stock # 040-000-00770-9. ISBN 0-16072-476-7. OCLC # 588460. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS59410. $20.95/foreign $29.33.

Hundreds of experts were interviewed and thousands of documents analyzed for this highly publicized report of the bipartisan commission charged with examining the intelligence failures that resulted in the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The scope of the investigation covered the intelligence regarding "weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and among the al Qaeda in Afghanistan. The commission found no deliberate deception or manipulation of evidence, but rather a significant lack of coordination of activities and competition among the various agencies of the intelligence community were responsible for the failures that led to the war.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. 2005. SuDoc # A 1.77:232/2005. GPO Stock # 001-000-04719-1. OCLC # 57418187. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS57108. $12/foreign $16.80.

Since its first publication in 1980, Dietary Guidelines has been revised and updated every five years, with each revision based on an analysis of the latest scientific information collected by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a joint committee appointed by the secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. Its fundamental premise is that individual nutritional needs should be met primarily through food consumption rather than through dietary supplements. The 2005 edition is oriented more toward policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers than the general public.

Drugs of Abuse, 2005 Edition. ed. by Donald E. Joseph & others. U.S. Dept. of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Mailstop AES 2401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22301. 2005. 74p. illus. SuDoc # J 24.2:D 84. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS59238.

Designed primarily for the education of young people, parents, and teachers, this report outlines the major features of the Federal Drug Control Act and the formal drug scheduling system. In direct, unemotional language, it describes the effects of drug abuse, including cannabis derivatives, narcotics, hallucinogens, and stimulants, along with steroids and inhalants, on the individual and the impact of the illegal drug market on society.

Estimate Products on Vietnam, 1948-1975. by David F. Gordon & others. Natl. Intelligence Council. 2005. 660p. SuDoc # PrEx 3.21: V 67. GPO Stock # 041-015-00242-2. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS61039. $85/foreign $119 with CD-ROM.

The first such release by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of declassified documents on the Vietnam War includes 38 in the book and 174 on the companion CD. It brings together intelligence estimates and memoranda from the entire war. Topics include North and South Vietnamese troop estimates, predictions regarding world opinion of U.S. actions, relations between North Vietnam and China, and much more. An invaluable resource for scholars and political scientists.

Final Report on the Collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. Natl. Inst. of Standards & Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070. 2005. 248p. SuDoc # C13.2:C68. OCLC # 62353572.

NIST conducted this building and fire safety investigation to determine not only what happened on September 11, 2001, but also to serve as a basis for revision of current building and fire codes, standards, and practices. The report contains some 30 recommendations regarding structural integrity, fire protection and prevention, evacuation of personnel, and training and education. Though extremely technical, the text features illustrations that will appeal to scholars and general readers who are researching or reading about the events of that day.

A Healthier You: Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. 2005. SuDoc # HE20.2:H 34/32/Corr. GPO Stock # 017-001-00555-0. OCLC # 62297738. $12.95/foreign $21.

A consumer-oriented report based on Dietary Guidelines (see above), this handbook for healthy living includes meal plans with over 100 recipes along with assistance in interpreting the nutrition information on product labels, tips for eating out, suggestions for incorporating physical activity into daily routines, and much more.

MyPyramid.gov. Dept. of Agriculture, Ctr. for Nutrition Policy & Promotion, 3101 Park Center Dr., Rm. 1034, Alexandria, VA 22302-1594; www.mypyramid.gov. SuDoc # A 1.147:M 99.

This site is diverse both in its content and outreach. Containing components in English and Spanish that will appeal to health professionals, educators, general audiences, and kids, it is a great tool for promoting healthy eating habits and weight management. There are varying levels of interactivity, the most notable being a MyPyramid tracker that helps users monitor and assess their dietary and physical activities over time.

Parks as Classrooms Curriculum Guides. Natl. Park Svc., Great Falls Park, George Washington Memorial Pkwy., McLean, VA 22101. 2005. 262p. illus. maps. SuDoc # I 29.9/2:C 56, I 29.9/2: C56/2, I 29.9/2:C56/3, I 29.9/2:C 56/4. OCLC # 58597230, 58557917, 58557483, 58557753.

These curriculum guides are a joint production of the NPS and the Washington, DC, public schools. They consist of four programs and field activities for students in the upper elementary grades to be conducted in Great Falls Park near McLean, VA. The programs include Patowmack Canal, American Indians of the Potomac, Clay Pond: Exploring Nature's Balance, and Exploring Geology. The goals of each lesson plan and suggested activities are all in accordance with Maryland State Education Standards.

Population Trends Along the Coastal United States: 1980-2008. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Natl. Oceanic & Atmospheric Svc. 2004. SuDoc # C 55.402:C 63/3. GPO Stock # 003-024-09060-1. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS60903. OCLC # 57584543. $10/foreign $14.

In addition to sociologists and historians, this report is of potential interest to emergency management officials in the various coastal areas covered, i.e., Alaska, Pacific Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, Northeast, and Southeast. Topics include demographic characteristics of coastal populations, historical population trends and short-term projections, hot spots of growth, population influx during vacation seasons, and more.

Report of the Defense Task Force on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies. U.S. Dept. of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301. 2005. SuDoc # D 1.2:Se 9. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS63486. OCLC # 61395108.

The task force was appointed by the Secretary of Defense in accordance with provisions included in the 2004 Defense Authorization Bill and consisted of six members from within the Defense Department and six from outside. Its charge was to assess and make recommendations regarding sexual harassment and assault at the service academies at Annapolis and West Point. Hundreds of interviews were conducted with school officials, victims, cadets, midshipmen, and others; as such, thousands of documents form the basis of the report. Task force recommendations run the gamut from statutory reform to education and training that would alter the culture at the academies in question.

Selma to Montgomery: National Historic Trail, Alabama. U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Svc., 1849 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20240. 2005. SuDoc # I 29.88/3:SE 4. OCLC # 61443052.

On March 7, 1965, civil rights worker John Lewis attempted to lead a freedom march from Selma, AL, to the Alabama state capital at Montgomery to protest the denial of voting rights to African Americans. This first attempt was met and violently aborted by local sheriff's deputies and civilian vigilantes. Two weeks later, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and some 3000 others, protected by federal marshals, successfully completed the march. Later that year, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Thirty-one years later, another act of Congress commemorated the 54-mile stretch of Highway 80, making it a National Historic Trail. This pamphlet contains a map of the route and details the historic event.

September 11, 2001, a Documentary Project. Library of Congress. American Folklife Center, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20540-4610; memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/911_archive. 2005. SuDoc # LC 1.54/3:D 67.

As the latest addition to the Library of Congress's American Memory project, this online archive records the reactions of Americans to the horrific events of September 11, 2001. The collection contains over 400 graphic items (photographs and drawings) and over 400 sound and video recordings containing about 800 interviews, some with survivors and eyewitnesses but most with average Americans from other parts of the country expressing their reactions.

Steam Explosions, Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions: What's in Yellowstone's Future? by Jacob Lowenstein & others. U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225. 2005. SuDoc # I 19.127:2005-3024. pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2005/3024/ OCLC # 58990526.

Some geologists have predicted that the Yellowstone region is overdue for volcanic eruption such as the one that formed the Yellowstone caldera 640,000 years ago with catastrophic impact on life as far as 600 miles from the epicenter. This six-page fact sheet is intended to outline the response of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to those predictions while reassuring potential park visitors and local residents that, according to USGS measurements, such an eruption is unlikely in the next two thousand years. What is more likely to occur is a continuation of the familiar small-scale seismic and volcanic activity that draws visitors from all over the world.

Tracking the Dragon: National Intelligence Estimates on China During the Era of Mao, 1948-1976. Natl. Intelligence Council. 2004. SuDoc # PREX 3.21: C 44 (book) and SuDoc # PREX 3.21: C 44/CD (CD-ROM) GPO Stock # 041-015-00239-2. OCLC 56836699. $49/ foreign $68 with CD-ROM.

An intriguing collection, this volume and accompanying CD contain 37 declassified CIA National Intelligence Estimates and a large number of memos, communiqués, and other documents recording the evolution of China during the Maoist era. Topics include the prerevolutionary Communist Party, China's relations during this period with the Soviet Union and North Korea, reports on economic issues, and strategic weapons programs.

STATE & LOCAL DOCUMENTS

KANSAS

A Guide for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. Kansas Dept. on Aging, www.agingkansas.org/kdoa/publications/alzheimers/alz_index.htm. 2003. 63p. illus. map. OCLC #49982720. pap. Free.

This attractive booklet provides a wealth of concise, practical information such as warning signs of the onset of disorders, communication with the person with dementia, activities for memory-impaired adults, legal and financial responsibilities, caregiver support, and preparations for the end of life.

MINNESOTA

Minnesota: A History of the Land. 2 DVDs. 4 hrs. Univ. of Minnesota, Coll. of Natural Resources and Twin Cities Public Television. 2005. OCLC #57762135. ISBN 0-615-12789-4. $39.95.

This program brings to life the epic story of the people and landscapes of Minnesota. The four-part documentary series features nature videography from across the state, with never-before-seen historic images, state-of-the-art animations, and historic re-creations.

Lake Home & Cabin Kit. Univ. of Minnesota Extension Svc. 2005. kit $34.99.

This portable, boxed kit contains 50 one-page sheets of quick answers to common lake home and cabin questions. Sections include home and septic systems, shore land and water quality, trees and woodlands, wildlife and insects, and resources and records. For property owners, professionals, or anyone who wants to understand natural resources better.

NEW YORK

What's Your Signage? How On-Premise Signs Help Small Businesses Tap into a Hidden Profit Center. New York State Small Business Development Ctr. 2004. 74p. illus. OCLC #55737878. ISBN 1-930386-03-6. $12.95 + $7 s/h.

The role of signage in attracting new customers, branding a business, and fostering impulse sales is discussed here. The document also explores the cost-effectiveness of signage, its impact on profitability, and tips on designing the right signage for a business. A list of useful contacts rounds out the volume.

OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma Aviation Story. by Keith Tolman & others. Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, dist. by Oklahoma Heritage Assn. 2004. 188p. illus. OCLC # 59105851. ISBN 1-885596-43-X. $29.95.

To celebrate the centennial of powered flight, this lavishly illustrated history acknowledges Oklahoma's contributions to this marvelous adventure. Included are such familiar names as Lindbergh, Earhart, and Wiley Post, plus great Americana, from balloonist Professor Gibbs and his dog through "Wrong Way" Corrigan, and unfamiliar heroes such as the first African American transcontinental aviators and the Mercury women astronauts, including trainee Jerrie Cobb.

VIRGINIA

A Capital Collection: Virginia's Artistic Inheritance. by Barbara C. Batson & Tracy L. Kamerer. Library of Virginia. 2005. 125p. illus. OCLC #59149411. ISBN 0-88490-204-8 [ISBN 978-0-88490-204-8]. $25.

In recognition of the prominent historical collection of art in Virginia, the Library of Virginia published this significant compilation of color illustrations and descriptive text of 29 of the works. The collection includes Jean-Antoine Houdon's "George Washington," Hiram Powers's bust of Daniel Webster, and James Westhall Ford's triple portrait of American Indian leaders "The Prophet Wabokieshiek, Black Hawk, and Nasheaskuk." The book provides beautiful reproductions of these masterpieces in conjunction with descriptive text and a biographical sketch of each artist.

Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection. by David Park Curry. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 2005. 72p. illus. OCLC #59224005. ISBN 0-917046-78-1. $21.95.

Having assembled an incredible collection of Impressionist and Realist masterpieces, Fran and Jim McGlothlin joined with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) to select the finest of these works for a 2005 exhibition. In this companion catalog, the VMFA presents 33 Impressionist and Realist oils, watercolors, and pastels, along with two bronzes from the same period. It includes illustrations and descriptive text on works by such great artists as Winslow Homer, William Merritt Chase, and Mary Stevenson Cassatt.

WISCONSIN

Environmental Education for Kids (EEK)! Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek.

This web site is an effective information resource on environmental education for children in grades four through eight. It features earth science resources, career information, and quizzes covering trees, wildlife, fish, air, water, and land. Additionally, links to the publisher's homepage, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and to other teacher resources make this a particularly notable site.

Got moo-la? Where To Go for Business Assistance in Wisconsin. by Carl Rainey. Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, Div. of Agri-Business, www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/business_resources/pdf/Wisconsin_Business_Resources.pdf. 2004. 40p. OCLC #56511513.

"This resource was assembled...as a tool to help small businesses develop and grow their value-added business using money, information, and technical assistance from outside their organization." Small business owners can turn to this guide for information on the top banks for small business in Wisconsin, sources for debt and equity financing, grant resources, agricultural professional organizations, private consultants, and grant-writing advice.

Wetland Restoration Handbook for Wisconsin Landowners. 2d ed. by Alice L. Thompson & Charles S. Luthin. Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services, and Wisconsin Wetlands Assn. 2004. 154p. illus. OCLC #44882187.

Aimed at encouraging the responsible and effective restoration of wetland habitats, this handbook contains general guidance ranging from gathering information for a restoration plan to its implementation. Designed for landowners seeking to improve the health of their wetlands, "It discusses conservation, management, and restoration techniques that will improve drained, ditched, or otherwise degraded wetlands, and provides a range of activities that can greatly improve the values and functions of our wetland resources."

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTS

Arab Human Development Report 2004: Towards Freedom in the Arab World. UN Development Programme, www.rbas.undp.org/ahdr2.cfm?menu=12. 2005. 248p. ISBN 92-1-133726-7. $24.95.

Third in a series of reports dealing with reform in the Arab world, this document focuses on the critical lack of freedom and good government in the region. As with the previous reports, statistical data was collected through a survey, and the authors write anonymously. Each section of contains background information, current status of the topic under discussion, and excellent graphic representations. The last chapter, "A Strategic Vision of Freedom and Governance in Arab Countries-Alternative Futures," sets out guidelines and highlights the preferred mechanisms of societal reform. An excellent list of references and the actual Opinion Poll Questionnaire are included.

At the Frontlines of Development: Reflections from the World Bank. ed. by Indermit S. Gill & Todd Pugatch. World Bank. 2005. 352p. ISBN 978-8-213-60418-5; E-ISBN 978-8-213-60426-0. $35.

This collection of essays by 13 former World Bank country directors recounts their first-person experiences in helping countries develop their economic potential. They tell the stories of how India, China, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Mozambique, Argentina, Thailand, and Turkey-to name a few-succeeded or failed in the area of economic development. As the third volume in a project conceived by the World Bank, this title was created as an internal mentoring resource for World Bank country directors as well as to help the public understand the history of economic development in what were the economic hot spots of the 1990s. Graphic tables and boxes as well as a list of references and a comprehensive index make this book informative and easy to understand.

The Commission for Africa: Our Common Interest. Penguin, dist. by Commission for Africa; www.commissionforafrica.org/english/report/introduction.html. 2005. 184p. ISBN 0-14-102468-2. $25.

The Commission for Africa was formed in 2004 when British Prime Minister Tony Blair called together a diverse group of experts to review the progress being made by Africa on its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals. This report is not only the result of that effort but also serves as a definitive resource on African development. It is divided into two parts, with the first presenting in summary form the issues concerning the commission along with the successes, failures, and recommendations for change. The second part consists of detailed analysis and evidence and is the basis of the case for action. The final chapter sets out the plan of action.

A Future Within Reach: Reshaping Institutions in a Region of Disparities To Meet the Millennium Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific. UN Development Programme, www.unescap.org/mdgap/2ndMDGreport/index.htm. 2005. 107p. ISBN 92-1-120439-9. Sales No. E.05.II.F.27. $23 with CD-ROM.

This publication, which includes a CD, was commissioned through a cooperative initiative of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), UN Development Programme (UNDP), and Asian Development Bank (ADB). It tracks the progress of the Asia and Pacific region toward realizing the Millennium Development Goals. Analytical information was obtained from the global Millennium Indicators Database (unstats.un.org/unsd/mi/mi_goals.asp). It builds on the previous report by adding the latest statistical data, recommending changes in national institutions to foster economic and social progress, and advancing ways to create regional cooperation. A large number of graphics and tables enable the reader to visualize easily the textual information.

A Global Agenda: Issues Before the 60th General Assembly of the United Nations. ed. by Angela Drakulich. UN Assn. of the United States of America. 2005. 320p. ISBN 1-880632-71-3. $28.95.

A Global Agenda represents an expansion of the goals proposed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his 2005 report to the United Nations. Chapters are devoted to the Millennium Development Goals and progress toward them; the expanding role of UN Peacekeeping efforts; the economic and social importance of controlling infectious diseases; the World Trade Organization, Doha Development Agenda, and cross-border trade negotiation; and advancing justice under international law. Each chapter contains commentary and extensive footnotes. Also included is a special group of essays in which experts present their views on the proposals.

In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All; Report of the Secretary-General. United Nations, www.un.org/largerfreedom. 2005. 88p. ISBN 92-1-100971-5. Sales No. E.05.I.15. $10.

In this annual report to the General Assembly, Secretary-General Kofi Annan puts forth a package of specific proposals aimed at helping the United Nations respond to current global challenges as well as to begin a process of internal organizational reform that will make the United Nations more useful to its Member States. It is divided into four parts: Freedom from Want, Freedom from Fear, Freedom To Live in Dignity, and Strengthening the United Nations. In the first three parts, Annan sets out specifics to help countries meet the targets established in the Millennium Development Goals. The last part contains a far-reaching plan for UN reform.

One Planet, Many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment. by Ashbindu Singh & Thomas R. Loveland. UN Environment Program, www.na.unep.net/OnePlanetManyPeople/index.php. 2005. 320p. ISBN 92-807-2571-8. $150.

Complete with educational graphics, an extensive list of references, and a list of abbreviations, this publication is a treasure trove of pictorial documentation that shows how humans have impacted the environment. Chapters give a brief history of the earth, describe how overpopulation has led to stiff competition for natural resources, show in a series of case studies using paired satellite pictures how human activities affect various aspects of the environment, and explore how changes brought about by humans trigger natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, droughts, and hurricanes as well as human-made calamities, e.g., nuclear accidents and oil spills. An epilog sends the message that we should "sustain the Earth, keep it healthy, and make it thrive."

Pensions at a Glance: Public Policies Across OECD Countries. Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development, www.oecd.org/document/6/0,2340,en_2649_37419_34814598_1_1_1_37419,00.html. 2005. 202p. ISBN 92-64-01871-9. $29.

Pension reform is one of the great economic stumbling blocks of our time. Aging populations in developed countries make it imperative that retirement income is rebalanced so that it remains both adequate to support retirees and financially sustainable. This report is divided into two parts. Part 1 compares pension policies in OECD countries, taking into consideration contribution rates, accrual rates in earnings-related plans, ceilings to pension earnings, and indexing of pensions in payment. Part 2 contains a country-by-country analysis. An authoritative bibliography and clear charts add to comprehension.

The State of the World's Children 2006: Excluded and Invisible. UNICEF, www.unicef.org/sowc06. 2005. 143p. ISBN 978-92-806-3916-2; 19:92-806-3916-1. Sales No. E.06.XX.1. $12.95.

The 2006 edition of this annual report concentrates on those children who have failed to benefit by past gains because they are excluded or "invisible": "deemed at risk of missing out on an environment that protects them from violence, abuse, and exploitation, or if they are unable to access essential services and goods in a way that threatens their ability to participate fully in society in the future." Extreme poverty, weak government, armed conflict, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS all contribute to the exclusion of the most vulnerable part of a population from social and economic well-being. Together with country-specific studies and informative statistical tables, the report shows what is being done and what can be done about these issues. Included are excellent statistical tables and references.

UN Pulse: Connecting to UN Information Online. United Nations. UN Library Reference Team, Dag Hammarskjold Library; unhq-appspub-01.un.org/lib/dhlrefweblog.nsf.

UN Pulse is the site of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Reference web log. As a project of a team of reference librarians, it offers access to important UN actions and major reports (full text) and is continually updated. There are links to recent entries, while a search box enables the user to create a search strategy of choice. It is also possible to search the archives dating back to March 2005 by category or date. The "Links" section provides easy access to other sites such as the library homepage and Full-Text Quick Links. An RSS 1.0 feed is also available. An excellent resource for finding current information and full text of UN materials.

Unlocking the Human Potential for Public Sector Performance: World Public Sector Report 2005. United Nations, www.unpan.org/dpepa_worldpareport_hr.asp. 2005. 123p. ISBN 92-1-123155-8. Sales No. E.05II.H.5. $55.

The 2005 World Public Sector Report concentrates on the primary trends, models, and doctrines that have guided human resources management in countries worldwide. It connects public service reform with the strengthening of knowledge skills, values, and leadership abilities of the employees of the state. Country case studies and analytical graphics support arguments in the text and serve to illustrate the problems that countries must confront today. It concludes that the quality of a country's public sector depends on the development of its human resources and that it is in a country's best public interest to raise the level of expertise and values of its people so that development goals and socioeconomic progress will be realized.

Urban Trialogues: Visions, Projects, Co-productions. ed. by Andre Loeckx & others. UN Human Settlements Programme. 2004. 264p. ISBN 92-1-131709-6. $35.

In 1992, "Agenda 21" was adopted by the UN Conference on Environment and Development to help local governments in developing countries fight urban poverty. "Localizing Agenda 21 Programme" (LA21), an offshoot of that initiative, calls for local authorities to participate in its goals. This urban trialogue, which is a collection of essays, features four cities that took up the challenge of sustainable urban development through "LA21": Nakuro (Kenya), Essaouira (Morocco), Vinh (Vietnam), and Bayamo (Cuba). An overview of each city along with its history, maps, satellite photos, strategic projects, and problems is given. Accompanying essays build upon and explain the concepts put forth in the case studies. An excellent source of information on urban history and sustainable urban development.