Neither is a given library likely to unilaterally take the responsibility for particular sets of electronic documents, given that so much data exists on the network. Such issues lie behind the plans being discussed by documents librarians, both on the national level and within the state of Oregon, to develop partnership arrangements between specific libraries and government agencies for providing long-term access to a particular agency's output. The CIA World Factbook, while still being published in a print edition, is now available on the web. Online dissemination of information provides real benefits, both in terms of cost savings and better access. Publishing agencies will reap the full effects of both these benefits only if they carefully plan their online distribution strategy.
Access is improved both in timeliness and in wider availability.
In terms of government information, this is particularly a boon to those libraries that have not participated in depository library programs in the past. These libraries now can provide their patrons access to a wide range of information that was previously very difficult for them to acquire. Depository libraries likewise stand to benefit from easier access without having to process and catalog incoming print documents. They will have vital roles to play in serving as a resource for those less familiar with government information, in training others how to locate and interpret the data, in developing finding aids and other tools to enhance access to the online data, and in advocating for responsible approaches to ensure continuing access to the information. The realization of these benefits will occur only if we take care to resolve the remaining difficult issues in managing this important transition.