New Books Network James A. Jacobs and James R. Jacobs, "Preserving Government Information: Past, Present, and Future" (Freegovinfo Press, 2025)
Dec 11, 2025
James A. Jacobs is a librarian emeritus with extensive experience in government documents, while James R. Jacobs is a government information librarian at Stanford and co-author of a pivotal book on preservation. They explore how historical practices shape modern digital preservation and discuss key differences between publications and archival records. The duo emphasizes the internet's disruption of traditional practices and advocates for a distributed preservation network. They also outline vital preservation guarantees and highlight grassroots efforts amid challenges in government information preservation.
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Authors' Longstanding Collaboration Shapes The Book
- James R. Jacobs and James A. Jacobs view the book as a culmination of decades of government information work and collaboration.
- Their long experience shapes the book's historical framing and practical recommendations for preservation.
Publish Openly And Also Offer Print
- Publish open-access and provide a print edition to maximize classroom use and long-term availability.
- Make digital formats free and printable copies available to reach users at point of need.
Distinct Roles Blurred By Digital Publishing
- GPO handles published public information while NARA manages internal records; Library of Congress plays a complementary, selective role.
- Digital publishing blurred these legal and functional boundaries and created new tensions about responsibility.
