The open access (OA) movement is one of the most exciting trends in information access and distribution today. It consists of a loose confederation of scholars, researchers, librarians, publishers, and others working to increase the amount of social and scientific research accessible to the general public free of charge, material that is peer-reviewed and copyright-protected. We in the government documents community are heirs to an OA tradition that dates back to the mid-19th century. The Federal Depository Library Program and the state depository programs are founded on the principle that information about the workings of government, collected at taxpayer expense, should be publicly available with minimal financial, physical, and technological barriers.

As government agencies expanded their role to include more research and data collection, OA policies also grew to include reports and data sets created by agency personnel in the normal course of their duties. Allowing broad public access to all types of government research has proved economically beneficial, leading to product development in the private sector and inspiring new research in academia.

The 2002 E-Government Act, among other things, required agencies to create online repositories of digitized documents, making official what most agencies were already doing informally. Within a few years, nearly 100 percent of all new government documents were online, thereby allowing any library with an Internet connection to be an unofficial federal depository.

One stumbling block

Yet there is still one category of government research not universally accessible: billions of dollars are spent annually by agencies in the form of grants to researchers in foundations, institutions of higher learning, and state or local government. The results are often published in peer-reviewed journals that are subject to subscription fees and protected by copyright laws. Some agencies have formed partnerships with publishers that allow eventual free access to research articles funded by such grants.

Early in 2013, a presidential executive order, accompanied by policy memoranda from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, began transforming federal policies to make OA the paradigm for all government-funded research.

Agencies with research budgets of more than $100 million were instructed to plan more inclusive OA policies, to form partnerships with publishers that would make copyrighted articles freely accessible 12 months after publication, to make the micro­data from their surveys and censuses accessible in standard machine-readable formats, and to create online catalogs for easy access.

The OMB and chief technology officer were directed to create a repository of tools to assist agencies in integrating open data policies into their operations, which resulted in Project Open Data, launched in May 2013.

In 2009, Data.gov was developed by the General Services Administration as a portal and discovery tool to make government statistical data generally available. Since the 2013 executive order, Data.gov has evolved into an online repository through which researchers make their data-based projects and applications freely attainable. Today, Data.gov provides access to thousands of resources in fields such as health, education, energy, etc., developed in academia, research foundations, state and local governments, and private firms. Formats include structured data sets, videos, images, and audio files.

The administration supports legislation that would make the new federal paradigm permanent and official. The Fair Access to Science and Technology Research Act (FASTRA), introduced in June 2015, enjoys bipartisan support in both houses. FASTRA doesn’t amend copyright laws or give funding agencies any firm rights. It merely directs agencies to solicit “the consent of the publisher” to open up access to copyrighted articles. Nevertheless, if passed, it would provide a firmer legal foundation for the accessibility of this material. This past March, FASTRA was reported out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and currently awaits action by the full Senate.

The open road goes global

OA is an international movement as well. In 2013, leaders of the G8 signed an Open Data Charter that would make the principles of OA standard practice by agencies in their respective countries. The Center for Data Innovation has rated the 50 states on their open data policies and implementation methods. The six top scoring states—Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, and Utah—each had established an open data policy that required “basic government data,” especially budgetary and legislative information, to be cataloged and published on their open data portals.

With that in mind, the GODORT Notable Documents Panel proudly pre­sents the Notable Government Documents of 2015, embodying the finest in government publishing and illustrating the great potential of open access standards.

FEDERAL

Combat at Close Quarters: Warfare on the Rivers and Canals of Vietnam. by Edward J. Marolda & R. Blake Dunnavent. U.S. Dept. of the Navy. (U.S. Navy & the Vietnam War). 2015. 82p. illus. maps. ISBN 9780945274735. SuDoc# D 221.2:V 67/3. GPO Stock# 008-046-00293-2. $21. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo58688

The latest in the series to commemorate the Vietnam War, this book captures the role the waterways and canals played in those military operations. In a land with few roads, navigable waters were vital for moving troops, munitions, and supplies. This gives a solid overview of the events surrounding the war as it pertained to inland naval maneuvers. Well illustrated with photo­graphs and military art, it includes short vignettes on side topics such as swift boats and the origins of the SEALs.

Emblems of Exploration: Logos of the NACA and NASA. by Joseph R. & Mark A. Chambers. NASA History Program Office. (Monographs in Aerospace History, No. 56). 2015. 140p. illus. SuDoc# NAS 1.21:2015-4556. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo62912. (Available from Amazon: $29.98.)

Since 1915, when Congress created a new agency for aeronautical research and oversight (initially the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, now the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), much has changed around air travel. As a way to commemorate the centennial, NASA published this rich exploration and engaging history of the agency through updates to its logos, documenting the design, evolution, and applications of the NACA and NASA emblems. Historical photos and background information richly enhance the story.

Geologic Map of Alaska. comp. by Frederic H. Wilson & others. U.S. Geological Survey. (Scientific Investigations Map, 3,340). 2015. online + pamphlet. SuDoc# I 19.91/3:3340. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo63911

A massive undertaking, this map of the entire state of Alaska collects in one place 100 years of geological research and data. It vividly displays in a rainbow of colors the wealth of Alaska’s geological resources. Smartly designed as a print-friendly PDF, an interactive online resource, and downloadable spatial data for use in geographic information systems.

Green Pattern Book: Using Vacant Land To Create Greener Neighborhoods in Baltimore. U.S. Forest Svc., Northern Research Station. 2015. online. illus. SuDoc# A 13.2:G 82/2. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo63277

A valuable resource for communities nationwide looking for innovative ways to repurpose vacant urban land, this was developed to address blighted real estate in Baltimore. It embraces the mind-set that problematic vacant properties provide an opportunity to create greener neighborhoods. There is practical guidance on how to create green spaces, including classifying types of vacant land, ideas for eight different patterns of reuse, and illustrations of successful efforts.

Hubble’s Legacy: Reflections by Those Who Dreamed It, Built It, and Observed the Universe with It. ed. by Roger D. Launius & David H. DeVorkin. Smithsonian Inst. 2014. online. illus. ISBN 9781935623748. SuDoc# SI 1.60:H 86. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo59538. (Available from Amazon: $24.95.)

After seeing Hubble’s breathtaking images of stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies, now read the story behind those pictures. With contributions from historians, scientists, and engineers, this book provides an authoritative history of the Hubble Space Telescope. Written in a lively, engaging style and illustrated with a sampling of iconic pictures taken by the telescope, plus photographs of the telescope itself and the personnel who worked on it.

In the Line of Duty: Army Art, 1965–2014. ed. by Sarah G. Forgey. U.S. Army Ctr. of Military History. 2015. 199p. illus. ISBN 9780160925634. SuDoc# D 114.2:AR 7/3. GPO Stock# 008-029-00579-4. $37.

This beautifully illustrated publication pre­sents the work of 76 artists, selected from the Army Art Collection, who participated in various army artist programs from the Vietnam War to the present. The works expressively portray combat and soldiers’ daily life. Many of the images are paired with artists’ commentary to provide additional context.

A Living Canyon: Discovering Life at Grand Canyon. U.S. National Park Svc. 2015. online. illus. SuDoc# I 29.2:G 76/28/2015. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo63887

This richly illustrated pamphlet shows that the Grand Canyon is more than just a geologic formation. Each of the five ecosystems that make up the area has its own distinct biotic community. In easy-to-understand terms, this title considers the framework of what one can find in each of the habitats and is designed to enhance the experience of exploring the canyon.

A Magnificent Showcase: History, Heritage, and Art: The United States Air Force and the Air Force Art Program. by Timothy R. Keck. U.S. Air Force Art Program. 2015. 327p. illus. ISBN 9780160926617. SuDoc# D 301.82/7:AR 7. GPO Stock# 008-000-01091-9. $156.

Since the early 1950s, the Air Force Art Program has collected art and deployed artists to depict the service’s activities worldwide. This handsome oversize book contains a vast sampling of this compelling collection, arranged by historical period. The extensive narrative provides a companion history of the air force as well as artist bios.

Mercury in the Nation’s Streams: Levels, Trends, and Implications. by Dennis A. Wentz & others. U.S. Geological Survey. 2014. online. illus. maps. SuDoc# I 19.4/2:1395. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo56606

With the issue of water quality featured prominently in the media this past year, this publication from the U.S. Geological Survey could not be more timely. “A pervasive contaminant of streams and lakes,” mercury continues to threaten those who come into contact with contaminated ­water or tainted fish. By recognizing the ways that mercury gets into our water supply and seeking corrections, this informative and visually engaging report makes a vital contribution to the public’s understanding of this critical issue.

National Individual Tree Species Atlas. by James R. Ellenwood & others. U.S. Forest Svc. Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. 2015. illus. maps. ISBN 9780160928536. SuDoc# A 13.110/18:15-01. GPO Stock# 001-001-00703-0. $91. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo60989 (PDF); foresthealth.fs.usda.gov/host (interactive, online mapping version)

Offering a beautiful layout and details for each geographic region, this massive summary of all of the various types of trees located throughout the United States is an extraordinary effort. Particularly helpful for current and future researchers is the detailed explanation of how the data was gathered and how the maps were created by the U.S. Forest Service staff.

Native Plants: For Learners of All Ages, Quick Reference. U.S. Bureau of Land Mgt. 2015. online. illus. SuDoc# I 53.2:P 69/3. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo59244

America’s native plant species are under considerable threat through loss of habitat, invasive species, pollution, and climate change. As the nation’s largest land manager, the Bureau of Land Management has a special responsibility to administer public lands to meet the ongoing needs of the public. This nifty guide explains the importance of native plants and their benefits to various eco­systems. It delves into the crisis facing the different types of habitats and explores ways to preserve and restore native plant populations. A solid overview of the situation and how one can contribute to plants’ protection.

Pacific Tsunami Warning System: A Half-Century of Protecting the Pacific, 1965–2015. ed. by Laura Kong & others. Intl. Tsunami Info Ctr. 2015. 188p. illus. maps. ISBN 9780996257909. SuDoc# C 55.2:T 78/15. GPO Stock# 003-017-00570-4. $30.50.

The catastrophic events of the 2011 east Japan earthquake and tsunami brought to the fore the need for an early warning system. This book documents the efforts of the United Nations to form a Tsunami Warning System in the Pacific to provide education and alerts to Pacific nations. Included are personal reflections of individuals involved in the development and supervision of the system and descriptions of the organizations that make up the joint effort, along with key tsunami activity and its effects.

Peace Corps Perspective: A Look at the People, Places, and Cultures of the First 140 Peace Corps Host Countries, from 1961–2014. by Sarah Blazucki. U.S. Peace Corps. 2014. 141p. illus. ISBN 9780160926877. SuDoc# PE 1.2:P 43. GPO Stock# 056-000-00060-7. $15.

In its more than 50 years of existence, the Peace Corps has fielded over 220,000 American volunteers in 140 countries. This book is a tribute to the dedicated volunteers who help to make the program a success. Each host country is represented by a photograph taken by a Peace Corps staffer or volunteer, along with a review of the ­services and projects undertaken with the local population.

The Road to Zero: CDC’s Response to the West African Ebola Epidemic, 2014–2015. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Svcs. Ctrs. for Disease Control & Prevention. 2015. online. illus. SuDoc# HE 20.7002:EB 7/11. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo59645

This straightforward story of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) amazing work during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa should cause readers to appreciate the agency’s difficult but necessary efforts to combat the spread of contagion. This publication, without downplaying the enormity of the tragedy, uses simple text, photographs, drawings, and graphics to deliver an important message that should be more widely known. Until a cure is found, this document will continue to play an important role in helping local and international medical communities to formulate a response.

Silent Sentinels: An Illustrated History of the Japanese Guns of the Kiska WWII Battlefield. by Dirk HR Spennemann. U.S. National Park Svc. Alaska Regional Office. 2015. 24p. illus. SuDoc# I 29.2:SE 1/2. www.nps.gov/articles/silent-sentinels.htm

The Japanese invasion and occupation of American territory in the western Aleutian Islands at the start of World War II is brought back to life through photographs, past and present. Since the Kiska site is one of the few battlefields to be left unaltered since the event, traces of the conflict have been preserved. It is through the collaborative efforts of the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Services, and the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area that this cultural resource has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Talk That Music Talk: Passing on Brass Band Music in New Orleans the Traditional Way; A Collaborative Ethnography. by Bruce Sunpie Barnes & Rachel Breunlin. Univ. of New Orleans Ctr. for the Book. 2014. 303p. illus. ISBN 9781608011070. SuDoc# I 29.2:M 97/3. (Available from Amazon: $24.41.)

This extraordinary study of the culture and the musical history and style of New Orleans brass bands handles the anthropological approach very well; the images and design are carefully thought out and presented. A valuable resource for professional music educators, historians, and general fans of New Orleans–style brass bands. The only downside is the lack of an accompanying audio component.

Today’s Delta: A Research Tool for the Region. 2d ed. Delta Regional Authority. 2015. online. illus. SuDoc# Y 3.2:D 37/2015. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo59217

This collaboration between the federal government and eight Southern states that comprise the Delta Regional Authority combines specifics on issues important to regional leaders and decision-makers trying to “create jobs, build communities, and improve lives through strategic investment in economic development.” ­Visuals cover demographics and population trends; educational attainment; families and poverty; health disparities; economics and employment; and housing in an easy-to-comprehend manner.

War in the Shallows: U.S. Navy Coastal and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam, 1965–1968. by John Darrell Sherwood. U.S. Dept. of the Navy Naval History & Heritage Command. 2015. 425p. illus. maps. notes. bibliog. ISBN 9780945274766. SuDoc# D 221.2:V 67/4. GPO Stock# 008-046-00296-7. $75. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo62002

This scholarly work from the Naval History and Heritage Command covers the operational history of the U.S. Navy in South Vietnam from the coastal patrols in 1965 through the 1968 Tet Offensive. The emphasis on the deployment of smaller craft and patrol vessels was in stark contrast to the oceanic fleets of previous conflicts. The book focuses on how the navy changed during the Vietnam War to meet the demands of a different type of fighting.

Wildflowers of the Savannah River Site. comp. by Tona Segar. U.S. Forest Svc. Southern Research Station. 2015. 139p. illus. SuDoc# A 13.150:W 64. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo62207. (Available from USDA Forest Svc.)

While the title focuses on one small region of the country, most of the flowering plants identified here are found throughout the Southeast and often in other areas of the United States. Plants are listed by their common names and arranged by the color of the flower. With actual photographs for easier identification so nonbotanists will better enjoy their experiences outdoors.

Women on the Frontlines of Peace and Security. National Defense Univ. 2014. 201p. illus. ISBN 9780160925559. SuDoc# D 5.402:W 84. GPO Stock# 008-046-00285-1. $42. purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo59003

Women represent over half the world’s population, yet their potential to impact national and international security issues positively remains unrealized. This excellent collection of essays and analysis explores ways to change the situation so that women, often disproportionately affected by war and violence, have a greater role in developing stable and lasting peace agreements along with crafting local and international environmental improvements. With engaging text, excellent design, and effective use of photographs and graphics.

STATE & LOCAL

CALIFORNIA

California Water Fix. Reliable Clean Water. California Natural Resources Agency. 2015. www.californiawaterfix.com

This visually stimulating portal showcases the challenges confronting California’s degrading ecosystems and wildlife, especially marine species. Via technology, this site provides the community with ways to get involved in ameliorating those ­challenges.

California’s High Housing Costs: Causes and Consequences. by Mac Taylor. California Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Legislative Analyst Office. 2015. 44p. illus. OCLC # 905868160. PDF + video. www.lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/3214; bibpurl.oclc.org/web/74107

Ever wonder why it’s so expensive to live in California? Using charts and diagrams as well as texts, this work studies that question and the result of the cost of expensive real estate. With an accompanying video and an infographic on the Legislative Analyst Office website.

California’s Most Significant Droughts: Comparing Historical and Recent Conditions. by Jeanine Jones. California Dept. of Water Resources. 2015. 136p. illus. maps. OCLC # 907488180. ow.ly/4mXuwN

Richly illustrated and easily understandable, this report spells out how a history of drought is affecting California’s economic structure. From the farms to Beverly Hills, how drought and its policies motivate ­government decision-making.

Safe Drinking Water Plan for California: Report to the Legislature in Compliance with Health & Safety Code Section 11635. California State Water Resources Control Board. 2015. 280p. illus. OCLC # 911189013. PDF + print. ow.ly/4n5a9s; bibpurl.oclc.org/web/74900

Is anything more timely after the tragedy in Flint, MI, than California’s state-mandated plan for safe drinking water? Citing both state and federal laws and regulations, this document inventories county water systems, scrutinizes methodologies for chemical analyses, and summarizes water treatment statutes in an effort to ensure public safety and health as a model for the rest of the country.

COLORADO

After Action Report: State of Colorado 2013 Floods and Black Forest Fire. Colorado Div. of Homeland Security & Emergency Mgt. Dept. of Public Safety. 2015. 47p. OCLC # 913959728. PS12.2/AF8/2015/INTERNET. PDF + print (ow.ly/4mUEUO) or www2.cde.state.co.us/artemis/july/ps/ps122af82015internet.pdf

A singularly intense year for the State of Colorado was 2013. Starting in June, the worst wildfires raged throughout the state, only to be followed by what is now referred to as the 1,000-year flood. Both disasters led to lives lost and both showcased true professionals at work. This report provides an overview of the disaster response but focuses on improvements to ensure no future loss of life.

Monitoring Health Concerns Related to Marijuana in Colorado: 2014; Changes in Marijuana Use Patterns Systematic Literature Review, and Possible Marijuana-Related Health Effects. Dept. of Public Health & Environment. Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee. 2015. 188p. OCLC # 903591683. ow.ly/4n55sR or ow.ly/4n56cq

This report compiles several surveys and summarizes initial findings from monitoring the changes in use patterns since the legalization of marijuana and its implications for policymaking. Many of the findings from this report are inconclusive as more study and analysis need to be done by the scientific community. An interesting beginning for other states investigating this trend.

MINNESOTA

Minnesota Harvester Handbook. Univ. of Minnesota Extension Svc. 2014. 118p. illus. OCLC # 9082012957. ISBN 9781888440638. $24.95.

With a focus on the state’s natural resources and woodlands, this book updates the previous edition with new photos and segments divided by harvest time. Entries are written by experts and include rules and regulations related to land use and marketing.

NEW YORK

Capitol Story. 3d ed. by C.R. Roseberry. New York State Office of General Svcs. 2015. 159p. illus. OCLC #9092066. $31.52.

First published in 1962 and again in 1984, this guide has something for everyone. Gov. Andrew Cuomo provided a foreword while overseeing a massive reconstruction of the state’s spectacular capitol building. Showcasing American architecture throughout our history, this book is a treasure for New York collections.

Community Portal. New York City Dept. of City Planning. www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/community/community-portal.page

The NYC Community Portal provides simple data about each borough down to the block level. Each neighborhood and community is linked to planning commission reports and profiles. Much of the data is current to 2014.

NORTH CAROLINA

2015 North Carolina Suicide Prevention Plan. North Carolina State Library. Digital Collections. 2015. 198p. illus. maps. OCLC # 908155896. ow.ly/4npXaa

This publication researches ways to assess mental health, communication efforts, community programs, schools, faith-based initiatives, family, etc., along with best practices for preventing suicide.

Blackbeard Reconsidered: Mist’s Piracy, Thache’s Genealogy. by Baylus C. Brooks & the North Carolina Office of Archives & History. 2015. 46p. illus. maps. OCLC# 929891584. ISBN 9780865264793. $10.

Using government records from Jamaica along with official documents from the Church of England, historian Brooks brings new light to the mysteries of Blackbeard (Edward Thache, 1680–1718). Was he the notorious pirate written about by Bible-thumping ­Jacobites such as Nathaniel Mist, or really a gentleman defending a misunderstood ­territory?

The Old North State at War: The North Carolina Civil War Atlas; A Sesquicentennial Project of the Office of Archives and History. by Mark Anderson Moore. North Carolina Dept. of Cultural Resources. 2015. 190p. illus. maps. OCLC # 929885639. ISBN 9780865264717. $105. ow.ly/4mUFr7

With more than ten years of research and glorious illustrations, this atlas probes the political and demographic route to war while it assays the legacy of that conflict. Included is a study of General Sherman’s march and the difficult and sorrowful devastation left behind.

NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota Is Everywhere: An Anthology of Contemporary North Dakota Poets. ed. by Heidi Czerwiec. Inst. for Regional Studies. North Dakota State Univ. 2015. 180p. OCLC # 908697252. ISBN 9780911042818. $23.95.

The longing cry for home, the sad wail of a dog, the tell-tale song of a mother singing her child to sleep resonate from the pages of this anthology of American poetry. While the authors stretch across North Dakota, the words speak to us all.

Roads of Progress. North Dakota Dept. of Transportation. 2014. illus. 123p. OCLC # 9000202816.

A richly illustrated and updated history of North Dakota’s roads and transportation infrastructure. The first state in the nation to institute the interstate highway system.

A Traveler’s Companion to North Dakota State Historic Sites. 3d ed. State Historical Society of North Dakota. 2015. 206p. illus. maps. OCLC # 895666894. ISBN 978189149423. $23.95.

Beautiful photographs and fascinating insights about each site highlight this guidebook to places of historic significance within the Peace Garden State. Want to learn more about the impact of Lewis and Clark? This guidebook is organized alphabetically but visits can be arranged via theme, a great way to travel this part of the country.

OREGON

Occupational Safety for the Death Care Industry. Oregon OSHA. Dept. of Consumer & Business Svcs. 2014. illus. OR-OSHA 440-4989. www.orosha.org/pdf/pubs/4989.pdf

Created with the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board, this resource is intended to ensure the correct procedures, including laws and state regulations, are followed when working with the deceased.

Updated Biological Status Review for the Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus) in Oregon and Evaluation of Criteria To Remove the Gray Wolf from the List of Endangered Species Under the Oregon Endangered Species Act. Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. 2015. 101p. illus. maps. OCLC # 925967436. ow.ly/4n6W7B

In great detail, this government publication spells out Oregon’s reasons for removing the gray wolf from the endangered species list.

PENNSYLVANIA

Diabetes Programs in Pennsylvania. General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission. 2015. 36p. illus. OCLC # 904995460. jsg.legis.state.pa.us/publications.cfm?JSPU_PUBLN_ID=409

Roughly 990,000 Pennsylvanians have either type 1 or 2 diabetes and as such House Resolution 936 (2014) directs an ongoing study investigating the causes, impacts, and policy implications for public health. First in a series as a result of the probe.

WISCONSIN

Stevens Point Flowage Bathymetric Map. Univ. of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. OCLC # 900545587. www.uwsp.edu/cols-ap/GIS/Pages/Stevens-Point-Flowage-Bathymetric-Survey-and-Mapping-Project.aspx

Both low- and high-resolution maps are available detailing water flows using aerial photographs overlaid with maps. Species of fish is an added detail within the document.

INTERNATIONAL

Arab Futures: Three Scenarios for 2025. European Union Inst. for Security Studies. 56p. illus. maps. bibliog. ISBN 978929182554. PDF. Free.

In 2014, the Arab Foresight Group convened three sessions of future studies experts from a variety of organizations who evaluated data and identified three potential futures that could unfold in the Arab world in 2025. These experts indicated megatrends (relative certainties that will remain constant over the next decade) and six game-changers or areas in which policymakers will influence the course of events owing to their choices. The three futures outlined take into account the megatrends, with the experts going a step further to develop ways that policymakers can respond.

Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 151p. illus. bibliog. Index. ISBN 9789291691432. PDF. Free.

This overview of the current state of knowledge about climate change is geared toward both administrators and a wide readership. The 21 headline statements throughout can be taken together in order to provide a broad summary of the findings in nontechnical language. Topic areas cover changes in climate systems and their causes; future climate changes, risks, and impacts; and future pathways for adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development.

Coping with Climate Change: The Roles for Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). 130p. ISBN 9789251084427. PDF. Free.

Climate change directly affects various sectors of genetic resources for food and agriculture and is already taking a toll on natural ecosystems and food production systems. Genetic diversity or resources allow plants and animals to adapt to environmental changes; however, the quick rate of climate change is expected to reduce agricultural productivity and lead to high levels of food insecurity. Divided into six sections—plant, animal, forest, aquatic, invertebrate, and microorganism—this publication surveys the overall impact of climate change on these resources and the role they play in coping with the effects of climate change. Maintaining the sustainability, resiliency, and adaptability of these agroecosystems is paramount to managing those global resources.

Fiscal Consequences of Terrorism. by Serhan Cevik & John Ricco. Intl. Monetary Fund. 22p. bibliog. ISBN 9781513510965. PDF. Free. pap. $18.

This working paper analyzes the frequency and severity of terrorism and its effect on government revenue and expenditure using data from 153 countries from the period 1970–2013. The empirical analysis conducted focuses on terrorism’s impact on tax revenue and military spending as a share of gross domestic product. When discussing aspects such as estimation models, the paper can get quite technical, but overall it provides a new way to view the economic consequences of terrorism.

Making It Count: Increasing the Impact of Climate Change and Food Security Education Programmes. Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). 54p. bibliog. ISBN 9789251087787. PDF. Free.

What are the most effective ways to educate people about climate change and food security? The authors consider which educational methods have had an impact on not only a person’s knowledge but their subsequent actions as well. In order to make people environmentally responsible, a behavior impact must be reached through programming and this requires a shift in current educational methods. Through summarizing and evaluating existing research, the authors set out recommendations for instruction that will have the maximum impact on behavior.

Our Planet: Global Climate Action, Innovation and Best Practices. December 2015 ed. UN Environment Programme. ISSN 1013-7394. online. Free. web.unep.org/ourplanet/December-2015

This publication highlights environmental issues, specifically how to address climate change. Prominent stakeholders, policymakers, and experts (for example, the prime ministers of Germany, Norway, and Sweden) contribute to the discussion of how climate change is addressed within their particular realm.

Shifting Cultivation, Livelihood and Food Security: New and Old Challenges for Indigenous Peoples in Asia. Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). 415p. notes. bibliog. ISBN 9789251087619. PDF. Free.

Seven case studies representing South and Southeast Asian countries—Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nepal, and Thailand—examine the changes in livelihood and food security among the indigenous populations and identify internal and external factors that both hinder and facilitate the ability of those groups to achieve and sustain food security and their existence.

Species: 2014 Annual Report of the Species Survival Commission and the Global Species Programme. Intl. Union for Conservation of Nature. 208p. illus. ISSN 1016-927x. IUCN# 2015-024. PDF. Free. portals.iucn.org/library/node/45591

The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is composed of a network of thousands of global volunteer experts who work together to conserve nature. The annual report summarizes the commission’s accomplishments and is divided by specialist groups, task forces, and Red List authorities who all report their mission, major activities for the year, future goals, and acknowledgments. The number of specialist groups is large (more than 140), but the information is useful to specialists and a general audience.

The Trade in Wildlife: A Framework To Improve Biodiversity and Livelihood Outcomes. Intl. Trade Centre. 29p. illus. bibliog. IUCN# 2015-014. PDF. Free.

This examination of the impact of the wildlife trade on both conservation and local livelihoods also advocates for sustainable, legal, and equitable wildlife commerce. A framework to understand the pros and cons of specific value chains is presented along with species-specific factors for consideration such as resilience, distribution and accessibility, property rights, and policies. The document is geared toward authorities, those practicing within the trade (importers and exporters), and researchers.

Uses of Geothermal Energy in Food and Agriculture: Opportunities for Developing Countries. Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). 62p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 9789251086568. PDF. Free.

In many developing countries, up to half of all food produced is lost post-harvest owing to a lack of affordable and reliable energy options for production and processing. This look at the use of geothermal energy in the agrifoods industry covers the technical, policy, and economic considerations of working with geothermal energy. For a wide range of readers.

Mark Anderson (mark.anderson@unco.edu) is Chair of the Notable Documents Panel of the American Library Association’s Government Document Roundtable (GODORT) and Reference/Research Librarian for Government Information, History and Geography, James A. Michener Library, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley