Notable Government Documents 2007: Blogs, Battles, & Bees

The world of government information mirrors the headlines. The resources in this list of Notable Government Documents from the American Library Association's Government Documents Round Table reflect the diversity of the profession, with topics ranging from “underappreciated fish” in Alaska to the Colonial papers of Sir William Johnson, from an illustrated guide to the USS Constitution to the unintended consequences of UN peacekeeping. Still, this year two themes predominate: war and the environment, or, if you will, battlegrounds and bumblebees. Almost half of this year's nominations fell within one of these two categories, and some within both. The documents described below offer some of the best guides on key issues for our times.

While government content remains crucial, so does the conduit. Government information has been profoundly affected by technological change—most recently, by the widespread rise of blogs. One of the best-known of these is Freegovinfo (freegovinfo.info), an important source of government information advocacy. Not only does Freegovinfo offer news on a range of topics, it serves as a news aggregator for almost 40 government-related blog feeds, including those from government agencies. For example, the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) covers its forthcoming digital distribution system (FDsys) at fdsys.blogspot.com. Government blogs also publish crucial data on hot-button issues and upcoming events, such as government compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). “Sunshine Week,” a national FOIA event to foster open government and freedom of information is now in its fourth year. For the latest, check out sunshineweek.blogs.com.

The blogosphere is also an excellent source on government information issues that affect public libraries, e.g., the “e-government” revolution. The term e-government refers to the administrative practice of using the Internet to exchange information with and provide services to citizens. While this may be convenient for governing agencies, it presents problems for some libraries. By default, understaffed public libraries now serve as civil information offices for people struggling to fill out online forms and navigate complex government web sites.

The “scrubbing” (deletion or alteration) of online government content is another concern. Data on this topic remains anecdotal, however, it is clear that the great danger of the e-government system lies in its vulnerability to loss, intentional deletion, or technological obsolescence. The need to preserve born-digital government content is one of the most pressing issues libraries face.

Digital preservation initiatives thus merit special attention. Over the next two years, a digital library partnership at the Boston Public Library will scan the library's print government documents collections. This project will digitize millions of pages of government publications, beginning with the 1950s hearings of the House Un-American Activities Committee. The project is a partnership with Public.Resource.Org (public.resource.org), a nonprofit group seeking open access to government records, and the Internet Archive (www.archive.org).

The archiving of state information is another important recent development. The Library of Congress National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) (www.digitalpreservation.gov) recently joined with 21 state governments to preserve born-digital government information. With these new partnerships, NDIIPP encompasses more than 100 members, including government agencies and educational institutions.

While 2008 may be the United Nations' International Year of the Potato (see www.potato2008.org/en/index.html), 2007 may well be remembered as the international year of awareness regarding climate change. In December 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to disseminate knowledge about human-caused climate change. Although the IPCC documents do not appear on this year's list (see www.ipcc.ch for the reports), their influence was profoundly felt. It comes as no surprise that many of this year's notable documents focus on the environment, from the environmental effects of the war in Lebanon to the Wisconsin Land Legacy Report (see below). Ironically, one of last year's government information headlines was the proposed closure of several U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) libraries. The U.S. Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight of the House Science and Technology Committee held hearings in March 2008 on EPA's proposed plan to “modernize its library network.” Thanks to public pressure, EPA officials subsequently announced their aim to reestablish libraries for EPA regions five through seven, as well as for the EPA headquarters in Washington, DC.

Back, for a moment, to the Year of the Potato. At first, that proclamation may seem like a project of an international organization with too much time on its hands. However, one of this year's notable documents, the UN's Food & Agriculture Organization's (FAO) State of Food Insecurity in the World, sheds some light on the subject. From 2001 to 2003, 854 million people worldwide were considered undernourished. The international potato site, also by the FAO, notes that “the potato should be a major component in strategies aimed at providing nutritious food for the poor and hungry. It is ideally suited to places where land is limited and labor is abundant, conditions that characterize much of the developing world.” Those interested in poverty, globalization, human rights, the environment—or potatoes—will find international documents to be tremendous sources of global information.

A final development of interest is the growing influence of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on the government process. For librarians needing to decipher the intricacies of government operations, selected NGO sites are worth a look. The relationship between NGOs and governments has changed over the years, with many NGOs now engaged in official collaborations with government institutions. One recommended site on UN reform, for example, is ReformtheUN.org, for an NGO with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council; it often has more current information on UN reform than the UN site itself.

This year's list includes numerous documents about the war in Iraq and climate change. The environmental theme was especially strong, with publications on pollinators, ecosystems, gardens, and the identification of plants and animals. As always, what characterizes government information is its diversity. Whether your interest is history or nutrition, human rights or architecture, whether you prefer a 1000-page tome, a child's comic strip, or the latest blog post, government information is both interesting and of enduring value to libraries.

The following publications can be found on the web or at depository and other libraries. Many are also available for purchase from the originating agency, the U.S. GPO, or commercial publishers. The Notable Documents panel extends its thanks to those who submitted materials for nomination.

Aeronautical and Astronautical Resources of the Library of Congress: A Comprehensive Guide. by Ronald S. Wilkinson & others. U.S. Library of Congress. 2007. 463p. illus. maps. SuDoc # LC 1.6/4:AE 8. ISBN 978-0-8444-1160-6.

This comprehensive guide to the world-class aeronautical and astronautical collections in the Library of Congress provides beautiful illustrations and narratives for every aspect of these materials, as well as a description of each collection. Indispensable for researchers as well as an illuminating volume for those interested in the history of flight.

Battleground Iraq: Journal of a Company Commander. by Todd S. Brown. U.S. Dept. of Defense, Army. 2007. 292p. illus. maps. SuDoc # D 114.2:IR 1. GPO Stock # 008-029-00460-7. $34.

This journal was reconstructed from letters by Capt. Robert (Todd) Sloan Brown, a company commander in the army's 4th Infantry Division, during his tour of duty in Iraq from 2003 to early 2004. It includes personal observations, discussion of tactics and techniques, and a wealth of supporting appendixes. It captures the stresses of combat and gives the reader a sense of “you are there.” The personal tone should appeal to both the general public and the historian.

Botanic Garden for the Nation: The United States Botanic Garden. by Anne-Catherine Fallen. U.S. Botanic Gardens. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS83958. 2007. 178p. illus. SuDoc # Y 1.1/2:SERIAL 15000. GPO Stock # 052-070-07481-7. $69.

Attractively designed and informative, this volume is filled with photographs, illustrations, maps, and narratives detailing the history, construction, current layout, and production facilities of the U.S. Botanic Garden. Nestled within the book are descriptions of selected plants and background on the garden's architectural history. A useful current guide to the garden as well as a history of how it came to be.

The Citizen's Almanac: Fundamental Documents, Symbols, and Anthems of the United States. U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Citizenship & Immigration Services. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS81039. 2007. 102p. illus. SuDoc # HS 8.2:C 49/2007. GPO Stock # 027-002-00536-8. $7.50.

This book collects the symbols of America's freedom and liberty that serve as a modern-day link to our civic history—from historic speeches to landmark court decisions. Both native-born and naturalized citizens will find important information on the rights and responsibilities associated with U.S. citizenship.

Designing the Nation's Capital: The 1901 Plan for Washington, D.C. by Sue A. Kohler & Pamela Scott. U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. 2006. 359p. illus. maps. SuDoc # FA 1.2:W 27/5. GPO Stock # 010-000-00011-4. $39.95.

The account of the creation of the Senate Park Commission and its Plan of 1901 to redevelop Washington, DC, is told here through a collection of essays from contributing scholars. This substantial work relates the evolution of the 1901 plan, also known as the McMillan Plan, as well as the transformation of the nation's capital, through photographs, maps, and drawings of the city, including plans for memorials, monuments, and the mall.

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Natl. Institutes of Health, Natl. Institute on Drug Abuse. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS84454. 2007. 29p. illus. SuDoc # HE 20.8217:AD 2. OCLC # 123960786. Free.

Many people don't understand how drugs change the brain, thereby leading to addiction. This booklet aims to fill that gap by providing scientific information about the disease of drug addiction, including the many harmful consequences of drug abuse and the basic approaches that have been developed to prevent and treat it. It employs nontechnical language, clearly outlining basic points with effective graphics.

Empowering Youth with Nutrition and Physical Activity. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS87631. 2007. 202p. illus. SuDoc # A 98.2:Y 8. OCLC # 180765265.

Chronic diseases, such as obesity and heart disease, are linked to poor eating habits and lack of physical activity. This manual, developed to help teachers and caregivers provide adolescents with data on nutrition and movement, is filled with activities, lesson plans with handouts, and useful background information. While the target audience is 11- to 18-year-olds, the programs advocated will benefit all age groups.

The History Mystery Examiner. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management's Cultural Heritage Group. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS88709. 2003–2007. illus. maps. SuDoc # I 53.2:H 62/6/ [newspaper]; I 53.2:H 62/5/ [trading cards]. Free.

This series of newspapers focuses on colorful and interesting historical mystery topics (e.g., Butch Cassidy, first Americans, ghost towns, and lighthouses), each with a corresponding web site. Designed to read like a real newspaper, the documents feature numerous informational articles on each “history mystery” and include games, codes, advertisements, images, and maps to absorb the reader. Each topic also comes with colorful trading cards.

Interpreting Old Ironsides: An Illustrated Guide to the USS Constitution. by Charles E. Brodine & others. U.S. Dept. of Defense, Navy, Naval Historical Center. 2007. illus. maps. GPO Stock # 008-046-00242-8. $33.

This illustrated guide to the USS Constitution from the Naval Historical Center is a tribute befitting an American icon. The Constitution launched in 1797 and rose to fame during the War of 1812. In 1954, Old Ironsides was designated for preservation as a permanent museum. Interpreting Old Ironsides is an illustrated training manual for tour guides working on the floating landmark. It offers a rich account of the ship and its place in U.S. naval history.

Pentagon 9/11. by Alfred Goldberg & others. U.S. Dept. of Defense, Historical Office, Office of the Secretary of Defense. 2007. 280p. illus. maps. SuDoc # D 1.2:P 38/3. GPO Stock # 008-000-00990-2. $31.

This illustrated history of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon includes many details of individual experiences and government agency activities on September 11, 2001. Presented here are a list of civilian and military casualties at the Pentagon, and a National Transportation Safety Board technical study of black-box flight data for the plane that hit the Pentagon, as well as for United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, & Environment Canada. www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/index.htm.

Like An Inconvenient Truth for the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin area, this interactive web site analyzes factors related to the condition of the Puget Sound Georgia Basin ecosystem. Nine indicators are monitored: Population/Health; Urbanization and Forest Change; Solid Waste and Recycling; River, Stream and Lake Quality; Shellfish; Air Quality; Marine Species at Risk; Toxics in Harbor Seals; and Marine Water Quality. Colors indicate the severity of each environmental problem.

The Simple Truth: We Can't Live Without Pollinators. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service. www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/index.shtml. 2007. 8p. illus. SuDoc # A 13.2:P 76. OCLC # 144650792.

Around the world, pollinators are declining owing to factors that threaten all biodiversity. This colorful brochure considers why pollination is so important to the earth's survival. It outlines what pollinators are and what you can do to entice them. The useful pollinator syndrome trait table can help gardeners plan their gardens by identifying which pollinators are associated with different flower types.

Task Force Report to the President: Returning Global War on Terror Heroes. U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS81429. 2007. illus. maps. SuDoc # VA 1.2:T 18. OCLC # 124509233.

After surveying federal services and benefits for veterans, this resultant task force report issues 25 recommendations to improve services and increase awareness of the benefits to returning military men and women. Each recommendation identifies the agency responsible for the action, as well as discussions, gap analysis, impact statements, and implementation strategies.

U.S. Dept. of Energy & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. www.fueleconomy.gov.

Fuel economy is once again emerging as an important environmental and economic issue. This web site offers essential information about automobile fuel consumption, offering everything from driving tips to where to go for the cheapest gas to a calculator to discover a car's “energy impact score.” The 2008 Fuel Economy Guide is linked from the homepage.

Women in Congress, 1917–2006. ed. by Matthew Wasniewski. U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, Office of History & Preservation. purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS81008. 2006. 1008p. illus. SuDoc # Y 1.2:SERIAL 14903/Y 1.1/7:108-223. GPO Stock # 052-070-07480-9. $59.

This outstanding volume is the most comprehensive source available on the 229 women who have served in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, from the first woman elected to Congress, Jeannette Rankin of Montana, to the members of the 109th Congress. Each biographical entry includes historical information, photographs, and references.

ALASKA

Field Guide to Sharks, Skates, and Ratfish of Alaska. by D.E. Stevenson & others. University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska Sea Grant College Program. seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/SG-ED-57.html. 2007. 85p. illus. bibliog. OCLC # 166343811. ISBN 978-1-56612-113-2. $25.

In a handbook designed to assist in identifying aquatic life, Stevenson et al. have put together entries for 25 different species of Alaskan sharks and other “underappreciated fish.” Included are photographs, tooth displays, anatomical diagrams, information on color and body shape, and some specs on habitat and behavior. The book includes a glossary of common ichthyological terms.

Preserving the Enchantment: A Plan for New Mexico, 2007–2011. New Mexico Historic Preservation Division. www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/documents/StatePlan.pdf. 2007. 36p. illus. bibliog. OCLC # 181110826.

In anticipation of the New Mexico centennial in 2012, this plan lays the groundwork for what has happened and needs to happen in order to continue to preserve New Mexico's cultural heritage. “Success stories” illustrate the positive aspects of incorporating historic preservation into community planning. Includes a helpful bibliography and a “preservation partners” directory.

Sir William Johnson Papers: Digital Edition. University of the State of New York & New York State Library. 2007. CD. OCLC # 181655253.

This CD contains a digitized version of a 20-volume set of papers and correspondence, originally published in 1921, of Sir William Johnson, who served from 1755 to 1774 as the British Superintendent of Indian Affairs in New York. He is best remembered for his diplomatic achievements among the various Native American tribes and as a military leader during the French and Indian War. This set of primary documents provides a fascinating glimpse into the pre-Revolutionary interactions among the British, French, and Iroquois empires.

Dinosaurs, Sharks, and Woolly Mammoths: Glimpses of Life in North Dakota's Prehistoric Past. by John W. Hoganson. State Historical Society of North Dakota & North Dakota Geological Survey. 2007. 60p. illus. OCLC # 136908469. $14.95.

Primordial sea creatures, dinosaurs, and mammals from North Dakota's prehistoric past are resurrected in this lavishly illustrated special issue of North Dakota History. Some of the text contains technical and scientific terms, but the photographs of fossils and imaginative paintings of long-extinct plants and animals will appeal to amateur dinosaur lovers of all ages.

100 Years in Pictures: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. North Dakota Parks & Recreation Dept. 2007. 45p. illus. OCLC # 153907915. $5.

This photographic “scrapbook” depicts the various episodes of the history of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park from its beginning in March 1907 through its centennial in 2007. The state park contains numerous elements contributing to North Dakota history, including the Missouri River, the remnants of a Mandan Indian village, a military presence, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and its present-day use as a recreational and educational area.

Common Dragonflies and Damselflies of Ohio: Field Guide. by Dave McShaffrey & Bob Glotzhober. Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. 2007. 71p. illus. bibliog. OCLC # 170924367. Free.

In this pocket-sized field guide, McShaffrey and Glotzhober provide basic introductory information (diet, habitat, behavior, etc.) for about one-third of the 164 known species of dragonflies in Ohio. Gorgeous color close-up photographs give us a longer look than we can ever get in the wild of the Ashy Clubtail, Calico Pennant, Ruby Meadowhawk, and over 50 more of these exquisite insects.

Ohio Coastal Atlas. 2d ed. Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, Office of Coastal Management. http://ohiocoastalatlas.notlong.com. 2007. 241p. illus. maps. Free on DVD (OCLC # 182545969).

Yes, Ohio does have a coast! It's on Lake Erie, but it is a coast. In fact, this publication cartographically and visually depicts and explains a diverse collection of information compiled from county-, state-, lake-, and watershedwide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. It was written for a variety of users, including academics, land-use planners, scientists, and developers. Ohio's “North Coast” will be seen in a new light by anyone viewing the DVD or online versions.

Inspired To Lead: Governors & First Families of Oklahoma. by Larry O'Dell & others. Oklahoma Historical Society. 2007. 51p. illus. OCLC # 163235991. $10.95.

This booklet was designed to accompany a museum exhibit of the same name. Both the display and the book focus on the lives of the governors and their families and the people and events that helped shape their ability to serve the public. Richly illustrated with photographs and genealogical charts.

Oklahoma Water Atlas. Oklahoma Water Resources Board. 2007. 190p. illus. OCLC # 183702046. Free + $6 s/h.

The 2007 centennial update of the Oklahoma Water Atlas includes 146 detailed maps containing recreational features, topography, bathymetry, access points, and other data about the state's most popular lakes. The fourth official atlas update.

The Papers of Sir William Berkeley, 1605–1677. ed. by Warren M. Billings. Library of Virginia. 2007. 682p. illus. maps. OCLC # 146236103. $59.95.

Sir William Berkeley was appointed governor of the Virginia Colony by Charles I in 1642. Deposed briefly by Cromwell, he was reinstated in 1660 and served for 14 more years. He is credited with putting down a rebellion against the British Colonial government led by Nathaniel Bacon. This collection includes Berkeley's official government papers and private correspondence. Overall, it provides an intimate portrait of political and social life in Colonial Virginia.

Selections from the Museum of Fine Arts. by Anne B. Bariault & Kay M. Davidson. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 2007. 355p. illus. OCLC # 144585865. $40.50.

Spanning more than 5000 years and representing a significant array of world cultures, this extensively updated and beautiful volume showcases masterworks of ancient Mediterranean and American art and Asian, African, and European paintings, as well as Byzantine and Western Medieval sculpture and the decorative arts. Exquisite color illustrations and descriptions help give readers a taste of the holdings of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

State of Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, Ethics and Accountability Division. ethics.state.wi.us.

Known until January 10, 2008, as the Wisconsin Ethics Board and now merged with the former Wisconsin Elections Board, this web site is laid out simply and is as easy to use for citizens as it is for local and state officials or lobbyists. It includes standards of conduct for government officials as well as forms, publications, and customized lobbying reports.

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report: An Inventory of Places To Meet Wisconsin's Future Conservation and Recreation Needs. Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources. http://wisconsinlandlegacy.notlong.com. 2006. 232p. illus. OCLC # 181072831. $15 + $8 s/h.

Wisconsin has a long and proud history of protecting its exceptional natural heritage. Yet, the landscape is changing rapidly in response to pressures and issues unknown only a generation ago. Color maps and illustrations help the reader identify places critical to meet Wisconsin's conservation and outdoor recreation needs over the next 50 years. In his preface, Gov. Jim Doyle identifies this volume as a “greenprint” for the future of Wisconsin.

The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. by Sir Nicholas Herbert Stern. Great Britain, Treasury. http://thesternreview.notlong.com. 2007. 711p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-521-70080-1. $50.

In this report, Sir Nicholas Stern, head of the British Government Economic Service, delivers a stark warning on the economic costs of climate change. Using formal economic models, he estimates the overall costs and risks of climate change and then lists a potential framework for policy responses and international collective action. Easy-to-read graphics, clearly stated key messages, and extensive references make this a comprehensive analysis of a crucial issue.

Global Report on Human Settlements, 2007: Enhancing Urban Safety and Security. UN Human Settlements Programme. 2007. 448p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-84407-475-4. $50.

The 2007 edition of this report deals with three major threats to urban safety and security: violence and crime, security of housing tenure, and natural and human-made disasters. Each topic is explained, and background information is given along with examples of specific incidents. Chapters on policy responses follow each topic. Extensive data tables, a summary of case studies, and a chapter on references provide additional opportunities for study.

Human Development Report, 2007/2008: Fighting Climate Change; Human Solidarity in a Divided World. UN Development Program. hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2007-2008. 2007. 390p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-230-54704-9. $29.95.

The 2007/2008 version of the Human Development Report recognizes the interdependence of all nations when dealing with the ecological and social impact of climate change and shows how countries can adopt policies that will help them meet the problems associated with it. The report demonstrates how climate change has already become a serious challenge to human development, with its power to undermine international efforts to combat world poverty. An excellent bibliography and detailed tables provide additional information.

Lebanon: Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment. UN Environment Programme. postconflict.unep.ch/publications/UNEP_Lebanon.pdf. 2007. 181p. illus. maps. bibliog. ISBN 978-92-807-2794-4. $25.

The summer of 2006 brought widespread environmental devastation to Lebanon as a result of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. At the request of the Lebanese authorities, the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) carried out a comprehensive assessment of the country's environmental problems, with an emphasis on toxic and hazardous waste. This report provides an overall picture of the damage as well as plans for short-, medium-, and long-term measures to rebuild the infrastructure of Lebanon.

Malaria & Children: Progress in Intervention Coverage. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). childinfo.org/areas/malaria. 2007. 75p. illus. Sales # E.08.XX.4. ISBN 978-92-806-4184-4. $20.

Each year, 80 percent of the deaths caused by malaria occur among African children under the age of five. This report demonstrates how progress is being made by affected countries in meeting key intervention targets as mandated by Millennium Development Goals and the Roll Back Malaria Summit. Excellent graphics and charts illustrate how the fight against malaria is being waged and won across Sub-Saharan Africa.

OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: China. Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development. OECDenvironmentalperformance.notlong.com. 2007. 336p. illus. ISBN 978-92-64-03115-9. $20.

This report is one of the first in-depth reviews of China's environmental policy. It looks at the present state of the environment and evaluates the national pressures connected with the rapid economic development, industrialization, and urbanization being experienced at this time. Conclusions and recommendations seek to strengthen current practices and prepare China for a healthy environmental future. Well illustrated and documented, an excellent resource for Chinese environmental policy.

Policy Matters: Economic and Social Policies To Sustain Equitable Development. ed. by Jose Antonio Ocampo & others. United Nations. 2007. 362p. Sales # E.06.IV.6. ISBN 978-1-84277-836-4. $29.95.

As part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations pledged to halve world poverty by 2015. But success has been elusive, with some policies like trade liberalization and development aid having arguably aggravated economic problems. This book makes a compelling argument for integrating social and economic policies with long-term investment in education, health, and infrastructure in the spirit of the MDGs and emerging schools of economic thought.

Secret Detentions and Illegal Transfers of Detainees Involving Council of Europe States. Second Report. by Dick F. Marty. Council of Europe, Parliamentary Assembly, Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights. assembly.coe.int/Documents/WorkingDocs/Doc07/edoc11302.pdf. 2007. 72p. maps. OCLC # 143754281.

This second Council of Europe report on secret places of detention is the product of an intensive data-gathering campaign used to uncover incidents that occurred as part of the U.S. “HVD” (High Value Detainees) program. The volume reports how the CIA allegedly implemented the HVD under rules of confidentiality laid down in the NATO framework and how selected Council of Europe member states participated, resulting in allegations of serious human rights violations.

The Shame of War: Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Conflict. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). www.irinnews.org/IndepthMain.aspx?IndepthId=53&ReportId=71974. 2007. 137p. illus. OCLC # 135364058. $25.

This is the second Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) publication to chronicle sexual violence against women in times of conflict. Photos and testimonies of victims expose the devastating cost of this violence on the women, their families, and society as a whole. The aim of the book is to examine the scope and nature of sexual violence during war, shock the reader into awareness of these abuses, and assist the international community in ending this type of brutality.

Social Resilience and State Fragility in Haiti. by Dorte Verner & Willy Egset. World Bank. statefragilityhaiti.notlong.com. 2007. 140p. illus. bibliog. maps. ISBN 978-0-8213-7187-9. $25.

This title is part of the World Bank “Country Study” series. After an introductory overview, the authors focus in Chapters 2–4 on the demographic and socioeconomic factors that contribute to Haiti's fragility and conflict-poverty trap. Chapter 5 concludes by offering suggestions to alleviate these conditions.

The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2006: Eradicating World Hunger—Taking Stock Ten Years After the World Food Summit. by Jakob Skoet & Kostas Stamoulis. Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. www.fao.org/docrep/009/a0750e/a0750e00.htm. 2006. 44p. illus. maps. ISBN 978-92-5-105580-9. $15.

In 1996, the World Food Summit (WFS) gathered in Rome to examine ways to eradicate hunger. This ten-year assessment of this effort addresses undernourishment on both the global and the regional levels. A mix of graphs, tables, and maps provides comprehensive information on the various food indexes. The conclusions, while acknowledging setbacks, offer hope that by adopting concrete actions, the international community can eliminate world hunger and undernourishment.

Unintended Consequences of Peacekeeping Operations. ed. by Chiyuki Aoi & others. United Nations University. 2007. 311p. bibliog. ISBN 978-92-808-1142-1. $40.

Peacekeeping has side effects, both good and bad. This book shows how the movement of large numbers of troops, police officers, and civilian personnel can impact a host society in unintended ways. Essays by academics and experts in the field demonstrate what happens to a society when peacekeeping operations occur and provide solutions for the potential disruptions to civilian life.