WorldVitalRecords announces release of new NARA database

WorldVitalRecords.com announces the release of the new NARA database, Records of Awards and Decorations of Honor During the Vietnam Conflict, now online. This database contains more than 80,000 records with information about awards and decorations of honor given to those serving in the U.S. military and allied forces between 1965 and 1972.

Gettysburg, PA resident finds old article to support cause

In a Letter to the Editor of the Evening Sun, Gettysburg resident Jack Grant argues against a project to remove trees located on the grounds of historic Gettysburg National Military Park. Grant, along with his wife, found an article in NewspaperARCHIVE.com that discusses the original planting of the trees. The trees were originally planted with the intent to block out the subdivision now known as Colt Park.

Study: Young people who read newspapers are more likely to become active in community issues

A study released by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation reveals that young people who read newspapers and use them in the classroom are more likely to become active in their community when they enter into adulthood.

The study focused on three main areas: voting activity, civic expression and volunteering time and money. The following are among the findings of the study.

About the study
MORI Research interviewed 1,506 young adults in the US by telephone from May 15 to June 3, 2007. Respondents’ telephone numbers were selected using a standard random-digit dialing sample, and the data set was statistically adjusted to match updated US Census estimates for gender within age categories, education, race and census region. The survey sample included 51% men and 49% women. The age groups 25-29 and 30-34 were equally represented.

NAA Foundation Press Release
Full Report from the NAA Foundation (pdf)

“Task Force” to address digital preservation economic stability

Funded by the National Science Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Sustainable Digital Preservation and Access will address issues within the industry to ensure the future of digital research. Co-chaired by Fran Berman, director of the San Diego Supercomputer Center at University of California, San Diego, and Brian Lavoie, research scientist with OCLC Programs and Research, OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., the panel will work with the international market to develop recommendations for the preservation, digitization and access of informational materials for future economic stability.

Digital information illuminates our world, and modern life, work, education, and research depend on it,” said Christopher L. Greer, program director in NSF’s Office of Cyberinfrastructure. “The time to act is now to ensure the digital information is reliably available as an engine for progress in our global knowledge society and to secure our digital heritage for future generations.

Full Press Release from the OCLC :: Panel to address economic sustainability of digital preservation

The Generations Network signs advertising deal with Interevco

According to Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter, The Generations Network, parent company of the popular genealogy resource website Ancestry.com, announced that it has selected Interevco as its online advertising representative.

Interevco will also consult with the organization in developing online advertising sales strategies for their leading genealogy and family history database sites, including the Ancestry.com network of sites, Genealogy.com, Myfamily.com and RootsWeb.com.

Olive Software announces “next-generation publishing platform”

Olive Software, an electronic publishing, archiving and XML conversion company, has announced the release of its digital publishing platform, ViewPoint 2.0. The Sept. 24 press release states:

ViewPoint 2.0 provides an easy way to capture, preserve, access, componentize, repurpose and monetize content for the web, as well as redefine the traditional markets for rich content.

The release of this product promises easier access to digitized documentation for institutions and publishers alike.