Full story: http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090929_3750.php?oref=rss?zone=NGtoday

Federal libraries and staff throughout the United States and abroad competed in three award categories. The winners are listed below.
2008 Federal Library/Information Center of the Year

Large Library/Information Center Category (with a staff of 11 or more federal and/or contract employees): Information Services Division / National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Research Library, Gaithersburg, Md., is recognized for its Lab Liaison Program, implementation of an electronic resources management system, and creation of the Vision Implementation Project to promote staff understanding and involvement in Information Services Division’s vision. The library also expanded its collection of leadership and management audio books available on Ipods and exceeded its goals for superior customer service with a responsive and professional staff and an environment that fosters open communication, teamwork and risk-taking.
Small Library/Information Center Category (with a staff of 10 or fewer federal and/or contract employees): Hurlburt Field Library, U.S. Air Force, Hurlburt Field, Fla., is recognized for its unique and trendsetting programs to meet the lifestyles of its users, implementing hundreds of morale-boosting programs. Hurlburt Field Library continues to support the military mission and improve the quality of life at its base communities. In 2008, the library delivered a number of information services through its commercially-hosted website; administered 1,100 books specific to field-unit missions and simplified access for almost 7,500 active-duty personnel via the library’s information portal. Continually recognized for its excellence in customer care, the library excels in being effective, versatile and dedicated to the customer.
2008 Federal Librarian of the Year

Dr. Verlene Herrington, Chief, U.S. Army Military Intelligence Library, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., is recognized for her skills in marketing, developing and promoting library services. In 2008, Herrington obtained program funding, assisted in the design, and oversaw the million dollar renovation project of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Library. Due to her innovative, non-traditional and enthusiastic approach to library services, the new state-of-the-art library averages 700 onsite visitors daily, increasing attendance more than 30 percent in fiscal year 2008. She spearheaded the expansion of additional library services by inviting the Foreign Language Center (FLC) to relocate in the heart of the campus and having SIPRnet installed and available for troops to do classified research. During 2008, Herrington developed an Open Source instructional program to respond to reforms called for in the National Security Intelligence Strategy of 2005 and has participation in her program from all levels of soldiers and students. Along with her vision and determination, Herrington has demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand and implement how best to grow a library program and serve her ever-changing client base.
2008 Federal Library Technician of the Year

Lawana Gladney, Library Technician, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., is recognized for her commitment to service in support of the Department of Justice legislative digital initiative. In addition to demonstrating her many on-the-job library skills, in 2008, Gladney worked diligently to convert internal print legislative histories into a digital format, making them available on the Legislative History Digital Database.

For the latest information on the awards, interested parties may refer to the FLICC website, www.loc.gov/flicc/awards.html.

The Federal Library and Information Center Committee fosters excellence in federal library and information services through interagency cooperation, and provides guidance and direction for the Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK). Created in 1965 and headquartered at the Library of Congress, FLICC also makes recommendations on federal library and information policies, programs and procedures to federal agencies and to others concerned with libraries and information centers.

Students and Digital Diplomacy
BY BRITTANY BALLENSTEDT | 9/23/09 | 11:57 A.M. ET
The State Department has launched a new program that leverages the Internet and social media to conduct diplomatic missions. The program, called Virtual Student Foreign Service, is part of State’s efforts to use technology and a commitment to service among young people to facilitate new forms of diplomatic engagement, according to the agency’s Dipnote blog.
Read More: http://wiredworkplace.nextgov.com/2009/09/digital_diplomacy.php

Step 1: Publish raw data in well structured formats (rdf, csv, xml)
Step 2: Create a catalog with a description of what data is available
Step 3: Ensure the data is human and machine readable

Of course, the devil is in the details.  Humans and machines make sense of data only by understanding content, terminology, etc.
Still, starting to accomplish the first two steps isn’t rocket science and can be a primary goal which content managers can assist in reaching.

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