In this issue...

1.  Broadcast Flag Reply Brief
2.  SLA Establishes Government Information Division
3.  Plum Book Update
4.  New Intellectual Property Czar Position
5.  ATA Congratulates Congress and NIH
6.  THOMAS Preview Available

Broadcast Flag Reply Brief
A Reply Brief of Petitioners for “Broadcast Flag” in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has been filed. Several library groups (including SLA) and others are challenging a decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require consumer electronics and computer manufacturers to read and obey a “broadcast flag” signal embedded in new digital television signals. Oral Argument is scheduled for February 2005. What is a Broadcast Flag? Full Reply Brief of Petitions

SLA Establishes Government Information Division
SLA has announced the creation of a Government Information Division, the 25th professional interest network within its membership.  The new Government Information Division was created to bring together those interested in the value, organization and management of government information sources with those responsible for the provision and improvement of government information services. Read more. 

Plum Book Update
The 2004 edition of the United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions, commonly known as the Plum Book, is now available from the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO).   Alternately prepared after each Presidential election by the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Government Reform, the Plum Book provides comprehensive information on thousands of Federal civil service leadership and support positions in the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government that may be subject to noncompetitive appointment, nationwide. Digital version on GPO Access.

New Intellectual Property Czar Position
The U.S. Congress’s $388 billion spending bill includes funding for the President to appoint a copyright law enforcement officer to coordinate a law enforcement effort—which is being referred to as an “intellectual property czar.”   The purpose of this new position is to centralize and coordinate efforts that are currently spread among several government agencies, and it will affect programs in the Justice Department, the Library of Congress (which operates the U.S. Copyright Office), the Commerce Department (which oversees Patent and Trademark Office), and the U.S. Trade Representative (which deals with overseas piracy and foreign governments with regards the U.S. Copyright and patent holders).  Read more.

ATA Congratulates Congress and NIH
The Alliance for Taxpayer Access, a national coalition of organizations that support enhanced public access to published NIH-funded research, expressed appreciation to Congress for signaling support through the year-end omnibus appropriations bill for the proposed NIH policy. The conference report for this legislation recognized specifically that the policy will make research results more readily accessible to scientists, physicians, and the public. www.taxpayeraccess.org   ATA is working with NIH leadership and members of Congress to ensure NIH remains faithful to the proposed six-month timeframe to provide access to NIH-funded research.  Letter to the National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Zerhouni. 

THOMAS Preview Available
The 109th Congress convenes at noon on January 4, 2005. In preparation for that event, work is being done to improve the appearance and the usefulness of THOMAS, the Library of Congress' public legislative information system.  The new site is expected to be released on January 4, but a preview of the updated THOMAS is available now.  http://thomas.loc.gov/home/redesign/

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