Government Information: Freedom of Information Day 2015: The Library and The Citizen's Right To Know: The New York Public Library and Freedom of Information

For 130 years  the New York Public Library’s collections have served as significant resources for New Yorkers seeking information about and from their governments. Through our United States and New York Depository Collections, our legal and legislative resources and other government information collections, we have worked hard to provide a premiere collection of resources, and extensive services to the public. Starting with the collections formerly belonging to the Astor and Lenox libraries, to the collections of the Economics and Public Affairs Division in the original central library building, to the resources available at the Science, Industry and Business Library since 1996, New York Public Library has striven to assure access to the best government information resources to  all New Yorkers.

John Balow, Curator for Business and Economics collections at NYPL discusses the history of its collections and services for all users of the Library, including current trends, and possible future developments in public access to government information. In addition, we will provide an opportunity for audience members to discuss their thoughts on freedom of access to government and other information and consider different ways libraries may best serve citizens today and in the future.

Recognized by a Congressional Joint Resolution in 1989, Freedom of Information Day at SIBL has traditionally been held annually close to March 16, the birthday of James Madison, fourth President of the United States and primary architect of the Bill of Rights. Our observance underscores the importance of freedom of the press, speech, information, and the public’s right to know.

 No reservations are required.