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Government Information Quarterly

Volume 11, Number 4, 1994

The Federal Government and Information Technology Standards:
Building the National Information Infrastructure
Shirley M. Radack .............................................................................. 373

Spatial Data Standards and Information Policy
Stephen C. Guptill .............................................................................. 387

Standards Setting and Federal Information Policy:
The Escrowed Encryption Standard (EES)
Karen E. Gegner and Stacy B. Veeder ............................................. 403

Contributors ............................................................................................. 423

Reviews
John A. Shuler, Editor

U.S. Government Online: A Review of FedWorld and LC MARVEL
Reviewed by Daniel P. O'Mahony ........................................................ 425

The Complete Guide to Citing Govemment Information Resources:
A Manual for Writers & Librarians
By Diane L. Garner, Diane H. Smith et al.
Reviewed by Mary E. Beall .................................................................... 429

Federal Depository Library Manual
By U.S. Government Printing Office
Reviewed by Peter Hernon .............................................................. 430

Nature of Copyright: A Law of Users' Rights
By L. Ray Patterson and Stanley W. Lindberg
Reviewed by Jill A. Tarzian ............................................................. 430

Index/Volume 11 ...................................................................................... 435

William E. Moen

Since the 1960s, the Federal government's information technology standards have focused primarily on the cost-effective use of computer systems. The increased need for interoperability and open systems as a basis for information-infrastructure development demands new goals to guide the deployment of information technology. The government's development and use of technical standards can assist in achieving broader information policy goals. However, the current policy instruments generally do not link information technology standards and information policy goals. The article suggests that now is an opportune time for proposing and implementing an information technology standards policy.

Shirley M. Radack

For many years, standards have been important considerations in the Federal government's policies for the use of information technology. The Computer Systems Laboratory (CSL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology develops and issues technical standards that are used by the Federal government in its information technology systems. The new Federal initiative for the National Information Infrastructure (NII) and the National Performance Review (NPR) make information technology an agent for change and emphasize standards as a means for achieving connectivity of computer and telecommunications technologies and for easy access to information. The Federal government will be challenged to address the technical, organizational, and policy issues that affect the development of the standards needed for future information systems.

Stephen C. Guptill

Federal information policies, in general, have recognized the importance of open access to the digital data holdings of the government. Such policies have been supported by the Clinton administration's investment in a National Information Infrastructure. Recently, reports by the National Academy of Sciences and by the Vice President's National Performance Review have endorsed the creation of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure that will provide the spatial fraamework for the geographic data on the information superhighway. The success of such an enterprise will require the development of a suite of spatial data standards and policy tools. Existing standards, development activities, and mechanisms are described. Some of the policy challenges are unique to spatial data.

Karen E. Gegner
Stacy B. Veeder

The controversial Escrowed Encryption Standard, recently adopted as a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS), has polarized some stakeholders both within and outside government and has also raised disturbing questions about the role of Federal agencies in the standards-setting process. This article explores the relationship between standards and Federal information policy and examines the balance between national security and Iaw enforcement concerns on the one hand, and privacy rights and U.S. economic competitiveness, on the other.

Stephen C. Guptill is the Scientific Advisor for Geography and Spatial Data Systems, National Mapping Division, U.S. Geological Survey. He is an authority in the fields of digital cartography, spatial data handling, and geographic information systems. He is Chairman, Standards Working Group, Federal Geographic Data Committee; president of the American Cartographic Association, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping; and executive secretary of the International Cartographic Association Commission on Spatial Data Quality. He is the author and/ or editor of over 60 articles and publications, including A Process for Evaluating Geographic Information Systems and An Enhanced Digital Line Graph Design. He is the past North American Editor and member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Geographical Information Systems. He received a Ph.D. (1975) and M.A. (1974) in geography from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a B.A. (1972) in chemistry and geography from Bucknell University.

William E. Moen is a doctoral student in the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University. His dissertation research examines the development process for information technology standards. He recently coordinated the project to develop an application profile using Z39.50, the national information retrieval standard, for the Government Information Locator Service (GILS).

Shirley M. Radack is a Supervisory Computer Specialist for the Computer Systems Laboratory (CSL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As manager of CSL's program coordination and support activities, she is responsible for the review, approval, and publication of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS); liaison with Federal and state agencies on standards issues; and CSL's information and outreach activities with national and international governmental, industry, user, standards, research, and trade organizations.

Harold C. Relyea is a Specialist in American National Government, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, and is a founding member of the GIQ editorial board. His most recent book is Silencing Science: National Security Controls and Scientific Communication, which was published in the spring of this year.

Stacy B. Veeder is Research Associate, Adjunct Professor, and Ph.D. Candidate, Syracuse University's School of Information Studies. Her current research interests include the impact of the evolving national information infrastructure on privacy.

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