http://PassOpenRecords.Org/2007/11/19/we-can%e2%80%99t-possibly-cover-emails/ A Movement to Lift the Lid on Pennsylvania Government Thu, 22 May 2008 19:55:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 http://PassOpenRecords.Org/2007/11/19/we-can%e2%80%99t-possibly-cover-emails/#comment-1211 Robert Basile Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:42:52 +0000 http://PassOpenRecords.Org/2007/11/19/we-can%e2%80%99t-possibly-cover-emails/#comment-1211 "Please associate me with Gordon's comments on our legislators computer literacy. The debate on open records seems to be going on as though the consitutional convention in Philly were still in session. The quill is gone and the computer has replaced it. But our laws haven't kept pace with our technology. Put it on the internet with a search engine and let the chips fall where they will. Unfortunately our legislators do know enough about technology to avoid such a transparent environment. And that is why we do need a revision to the current open records law. And that is why the revision needs to be crafted with today's technology as Gordon as so well articulated. “Please associate me with Gordon’s comments on our legislators computer literacy. The debate on open records seems to be going on as though the consitutional convention in Philly were still in session. The quill is gone and the computer has replaced it. But our laws haven’t kept pace with our technology. Put it on the internet with a search engine and let the chips fall where they will. Unfortunately our legislators do know enough about technology to avoid such a transparent environment. And that is why we do need a revision to the current open records law. And that is why the revision needs to be crafted with today’s technology as Gordon as so well articulated.

]]> http://PassOpenRecords.Org/2007/11/19/we-can%e2%80%99t-possibly-cover-emails/#comment-1036 Gordon Davis Jr. Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:25:38 +0000 http://PassOpenRecords.Org/2007/11/19/we-can%e2%80%99t-possibly-cover-emails/#comment-1036 Rep. Josephs comments regarding her colleagues' lack of understanding of computers and how they work is right on target. The truth is that most of those involved in the discussion on open records seem to have little understanding of the role computing should play in providing access to government records. Today, computer storage is so plentiful and inexpensive that for purposes of this discussion, it might as well be considered free and infinite. It is far less expensive than paper. All government records should be stored permanently (indefinitely) on electronic media. There is no logical reason to ever delete an accurate government record. In addition, when a record is deemed public, the cost effective path is to simply post it on the Internet in a document database with a capable search engine. Sophisticated work flow software exists that would automate much of this process and no doubt streamline the existing record keeping systems in state government. There is no need to create a large state bureaucracy that exists to send requested documents attached to emails, or even worse, print them out and snail mail them to those requesting information. The public (and yes, even the media) is perfectly capable of finding information as long as it is stored in a well constructed database along with appropriate search technology (think Google). The exception to this being requests from individuals who have no access to a computer. These will constitute a tiny and ever shrinking percentage of document requests. Perhaps passopenrecords.com could solicit the opinions of a few electronic records management industry experts. What they have to say would be a stunning revelation to many. Rep. Josephs comments regarding her colleagues’ lack of understanding of computers and how they work is right on target. The truth is that most of those involved in the discussion on open records seem to have little understanding of the role computing should play in providing access to government records. Today, computer storage is so plentiful and inexpensive that for purposes of this discussion, it might as well be considered free and infinite. It is far less expensive than paper. All government records should be stored permanently (indefinitely) on electronic media. There is no logical reason to ever delete an accurate government record. In addition, when a record is deemed public, the cost effective path is to simply post it on the Internet in a document database with a capable search engine. Sophisticated work flow software exists that would automate much of this process and no doubt streamline the existing record keeping systems in state government. There is no need to create a large state bureaucracy that exists to send requested documents attached to emails, or even worse, print them out and snail mail them to those requesting information. The public (and yes, even the media) is perfectly capable of finding information as long as it is stored in a well constructed database along with appropriate search technology (think Google). The exception to this being requests from individuals who have no access to a computer. These will constitute a tiny and ever shrinking percentage of document requests. Perhaps passopenrecords.com could solicit the opinions of a few electronic records management industry experts. What they have to say would be a stunning revelation to many.

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