Library of Congress - Microsoft project; FBI loses wiretaps
Posted by Jacque on January 11th, 2008
Library of Congress, Microsoft partner to offer new visitor experience
The Library of Congress (LOC) and Microsoft Corp. have signed a cooperative agreement that will change the way Library visitors experience history, according to a press release from LOC.
“The joint technology initiative will electronically deliver the Library’s immense collection of historical artifacts to patrons visiting its Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., and will allow unparalleled and immersive interactive experiences that will bring the institution’s vast historical collections and exhibits to life–on-site and online–through the upcoming myloc.gov Web site.”
There will be interactive kiosks in the Jefferson Building as well as on the web, thanks to Microsoft’s investment of funding, software, expertise, training and support.
“Microsoft is helping to put a vast array of the Library’s unparalleled educational resources literally at the fingertips of students and lifelong learners alike, both on-site at the Library of Congress and virtually, through the Web,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. ”The Library of Congress and the causes of inspiration and creativity will benefit immensely from this act of generosity and expertise.” [via Library Stuff] Photo by dbking. Creative Commons license.
FBI fails to pay phone bills on wiretaps
A report issued by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reveals budget deficiencies and poor expense management procedures for surveillance by the FBI, says Ars Technica. Phone companies have apparently terminated FBI wiretaps and FBI surveillance phone lines as a result of unpaid bills.
During an audit, the OIG discovered egregious mismanagement of the FBI’s financial resources and serious problems in the procedures that the agency uses to handle expenses for undercover intelligence gathering operations.