Legislative Research Librarians
Notable Document Awards
2011 Recipients
San Antonio—NCSL’s Legislative Research Librarian (LRL) staff section will present its Notable Document Awards at NCSL’s 37th annual Legislative Summit in San Antonio, Texas. Thirty-eight documents from eleven states were nominated for consideration. Thirteen outstanding documents were selected as the 2011 Notable Documents. They are:
CITIZEN’S GUIDE
- The Legislators of California
California State Senate
HISTORY OF LEGISLATION
LEGISLATOR’S GUIDE
MODEL HISTORICAL WEBSITE
PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS
PUBLIC POLICY—ENVIRONMENTAL
PUBLIC POLICY—PUBLIC SAFETY
A "document" for purposes of this award is defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Legislative Summit and a Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
Special thanks to this year's judges:
- Sabah Eltareb, California State Library
Chair of the Notable Documents Committee
- Carol Blackburn, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
- Ingrid Hernquist, New Jersey Legislative Services Library
- Elizabeth Lincoln, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
2010 Recipients
Louisville—Fifteen outstanding documents will be honored by a staff section of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for their excellence in exploring topics of contemporary interest to legislators and staff. NCSL’s Legislative Research Librarian (LRL) staff section will present its Notable Document Awards at NCSL’s 36th annual Legislative Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. Thirty-four documents from 12 states were submitted for the award.
LEGISLATIVELY MANDATED
CITIZEN’S GUIDE
- AIDS and the Law: What You Should Know
- Laws for Older Adults
Illinois Legislative Research Unit
- Permitting in Montana
Montana Legislative Environmental Policy Office
LEGISLATOR’S GUIDE
PUBLIC POLICY- ENVIRONMENTAL
NOTABLE ONLINE RESOURCE
FISCAL MATTERS
INNOVATIVE ARTICLE
A "document" for purposes of this award was defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Legislative Summit and its Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
Special thanks to this year's judges:
- Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Montana Legislative Branch
Chair of the Notable Documents Committee
- Carol Blackburn, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
- Sabah Eltareb, California State Library
- Kristin Ford, Idaho Legislative Library
- Ingrid Hernquist, New Jersey Legislative Services Library
- Elizabeth Lincoln, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
2009 Recipients
Philadelphia—Twelve outstanding documents will be honored by a staff section of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for their excellence in exploring topics of contemporary interest to legislators and staff. NCSL's Legislative Research Librarians (LRL) staff section will present its Notable Document Awards at NCSL's 35th annual Legislative Summit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sixteen documents from four states were submitted for the award.
CITIZENS' GUIDE
INNOVATIVE ADVOCACY
LEGISLATIVELY MANDATED
LEGISLATOR'S GUIDE
POLICY GUIDE
PUBLIC POLICY - EDUCATION
PUBLIC POLICY - ENVIRONMENTAL
A "document" for purposes of this award was defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Legislative Summit and the annual Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
Special thanks to this year's judges:
- Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Montana Legislative Branch
Chair of the Notable Documents Committee
- Sabah Eltareb, California State Library
- Kristin Ford, Idaho Legislative Library
- Ingrid Hernquist, New Jersey Legislative Services Library
- Elizabeth Lincoln, Minnesota Legislative Reference Librar
2008 Recipients
New Orleans—Nine research reports were honored by a staff section of the National Conference of State Legislatures for their excellence in exploring topics of contemporary interest to legislators and staff. NCSL's Legislative Research Librarian (LRL) staff section presented its Notable Document Awards at NCSL's 34th Legislative Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana. Nine reports from eight states were selected.
They are:
CITIZEN’S GUIDE
- North Dakota Blue Book 2007-2008
Alvin A. Jaeger, North Dakota Secretary of State
FISCAL MATTERS
- 2008 General Session Appropriation and Budget Highlights
Utah State Legislature – Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
INNOVATIVE STUDY
- Voices from the Street: A Survey of Homeless Youth by Their Peers
California Research Bureau, California State Library
LEGISLATIVELY MANDATED
- Criminal Records and Employment in Minnesota: Report and Recommendations of the 2007 Collateral Sanctions Committee
Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission
- Indicators of Efficiency and Effectiveness
Kentucky Office of Education Accountability
- Virtual School Operations
Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations
LEGISLATOR’S GUIDE
- Quick Guide to Committee Procedures in the House of Representatives & Quick Guide to Floor Procedure
Louisiana House Legislative Services
PUBLIC POLICY
- Compensating Victims of Bridge Collapses Outside Minnesota
Minnesota Legislature, Senate Counsel
STATE COMPARISON
- Waste Tire Recycling and Reuse in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania General Assembly – Joint State Government Commission
A "document" for purposes of this award was defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Legislative Summit and the Annual Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
2007 Recipients
Boston - Ten research reports were honored by a staff section of the National Conference of State Legislatures for their excellence in exploring topics of contemporary interest to legislators and staff. NCSL's Legislative Research Librarian (LRL) staff section presented its Notable Document Awards at NCSL's 33nd Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. Nine reports from five states were selected.
They are:
CITIZEN’S GUIDE
- Water Rights in Montana
Montana Legislative Environmental Quality Council
FISCAL SERIES
- Profiles of Montana State Agencies
Montana Legislative Fiscal Division
LEGISLATIVELY MANDATED
- Split Estates: The Relationship Between Surface and Minerals
Montana Legislative Environmental Quality Council
- Use of Average Daily Attendance in Public Education Funding
Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations
LEGISLATOR’S GUIDE
PUBLIC POLICY
- Delaying Necessities, Denying Needs
New York State Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation
- The Road to Privatization: Implications of Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Projects
Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services, Office of Policy Analysis
STATE COMPARISONS
- An Overview of California’s Low Emission Vehicle Program and Efforts to Implement It in Maryland and Other States
Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services, Office of Policy Analysis
- The Road to Electric Restructuring in Maryland
Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services, Office of Policy Analysis
A "document" for purposes of this award was defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Annual Meeting and the Annual Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
Special thanks to this year's judges:
- Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Montana Legislative Branch
Chair of the Notable Documents Committee
- Carol Blackburn, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
- Sabah Eltareb, California State Library
- Kristin Ford, Idaho Legislative Library
- Ingrid Hernquist, New Jersey Legislative Services Library
- Elizabeth Lincoln, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
2006 Recipients
Nashville - Ten research reports were honored by a staff section of the National Conference of State Legislatures for their excellence in exploring topics of contemporary interest to legislators and staff. NCSL's Legislative Research Librarian (LRL) staff section presented its Notable Document Awards at NCSL's 32nd Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Ten reports from seven states were selected.
They are:
LEGISLATIVELY MANDATED
-Idaho School for Deaf and Blind Evaluation Report
Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations
-Report of the Advisory Committee on Geriatric and Seriously Ill Inmates
Pennsylvania General Assembly - Joint State Government Commission
CITIZEN'S GUIDE
-Citizens Guide (series of five publications)
Kentucky Legislative Research Commission
-Utah State Government: A Citizens Guide
Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel
LEGISLATOR'S GUIDE
-Understanding Medicaid: A Policymaker's Introduction
Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel
STUDENT'S GUIDE
-Governing Wisconsin series
Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau
PUBLIC POLICY
-Improved Coordination and Information Could Reduce the Backlog of Unserved Warrants
Kentucky Legislative Research Commission
-Use of Social Security Numbers for Drivers' Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards: Federal Mandate Review
Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations
FISCAL MATTERS
-A Fiscal Review of the 2005 Legislative Session
Minnesota Senate Counsel, Research, and Fiscal Analysis
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
-High Plains of Northeastern New Mexico: A Guide to Geology and Culture
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
A "document" for purposes of this award was defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Annual Meeting and the Annual Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
Special thanks to this year's judges:
- Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Montana Legislative Branch
Chair of the Notable Documents Committee
- Carol Blackburn, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
- Sabah Eltareb, California State Library
- Kristin Ford, Idaho Legislative Library
- Ingrid Hernquist, New Jersey Legislative Services Library
2005 Recipients
Seattle - Six research reports are honored by a staff section of the National Conference of State Legislatures for their excellence in exploring topics of contemporary interest to legislators and staff. NCSL's Legislative Research Librarian (LRL) staff section present its Notable Document Awards at NCSL's 31th Annual Meeting in Seattle. Six reports from four states were selected.
They are:
BODY OF WORK--LEGISLATIVELY MANDATED
-Hydrogen, Wind, Biodiesel, and Ethanol: Alternative Energy Sources to Fuel Montana's Future?
-Montana's Water--Where is it? Who can use it? Who decides?
Montana Legislative Environmental Quality Council
CITIZEN'S GUIDE
-Pocket Guides on Fiscal Matters (various)
Montana Legislative Fiscal Division
LEGISLATOR'S GUIDE
-Gambling in Minnesota: A Short History
-Noncitizens and Minnesota Law: A Guide for Legislators
Research Department, Minnesota House of Representatives
PUBLIC POLICY
-Medical Professional Liability Reform for the 21st Century: A Review of Policy Options
Pennsylvania General Assembly Joint State Government Commission
A "document" for purposes of this award was defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Annual Meeting and the Annual Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Chair
LRL Notable Document Award Committee
Montana Legislative Library
On behalf of committee members:
- Elizabeth Lincoln, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
- Ingrid Hernquist, New Jersey Office of Legislative Services Library
- Sabah Eltareb, California State Library
2004 Recipients
Salt Lake City, Utah - Eight research reports will be honored by a staff section of the National Conference of State Legislatures for their excellence in exploring topics of contemporary interest to legislators and staff. NCSL's Legislative Research Librarian (LRL) staff section presented its Notable Document Awards at NCSL's 30th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. Eight reports from five states were selected.
They are:
BODY OF WORK
- Louisiana House of Representatives: House Legislative Services' State and Local Government in Louisiana: An Overview
- Louisiana House of Representatives: House Legislative Services' Orientation Guide for Louisiana House Members
EXCEPTIONAL TECHNICAL WORK
- New York State Division of the Budget's New York State 2004-2005 Executive Budget: Revenue Estimating Methodology
BODY OF WORK--LEGISLATIVELY MANDATED
- Washington Puget Sound Action Team's Mission: Protect and Restore Puget Sound, A Progress Report
A "document" for purposes of this award was defined as one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector non-profit organization. Format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
The Legislative Research Librarians staff section, one of NCSL's eleven professional staff organizations, was established to promote effective information retrieval techniques for legislative libraries; to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to legislative information, operations, and procedures in the states; and to enhance the professionalism of the members.
Composed primarily of librarians and information specialists in legislative agencies, the section sponsors an extensive schedule of programs at the NCSL Annual Meeting and the Annual Professional Development Seminar. Each of these meetings focuses on current developments in information management, information technology and legislative research.
Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Chair
LRL Notable Document Award Committee
Montana Legislative Library
On behalf of committee members:
- Shirley Dallas, Washington State Library
- Penelope Dukes, Williams, Texas Legislative Reference Library
- Sabah Eltareb, California State Library
- Cathy Griffin, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
- Ingrid Hernquist, New Jersey Office of Legislative Services Library
2003 Recipients
PUBLIC POLICY:
KY: Long-Term Policy Research Center
NV: Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
CITIZEN GUIDE:
MT: Environmental Quality Council
- Electricity Law Handbook: A Montanan's Guide to Understanding Electricity
www.leg.state.mt.us/content/publications/lepo/2002energylaw.pdf
LEGISLATORS' GUIDE:
MT: Legislative Fiscal Division
- Understanding State Finances and the Budgeting Process: A Reference Manual for Legislators
www.leg.state.mt.us/content/publications/fiscal/leg_reference/legislator_training_manual.pdf
MT: Legislative Services Division
- Legislator's Handbook
www.leg.state.mt.us/css/publications/research/information/legislator_handbook_2003.asp
SERIAL:
REDISTRICTING & REAPPORTIONMENT:
2002 Recipients
MN: House of Representatives Research Dept:
- Nuclear Waste Dry Cask Storage
- Youth and the Law: A guide for legislators
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/nucwaste.pdf or /youthlaw.pdf
NE: Legislative Research Division:
State of Nebraska: 2001 Redistricting
www.unicam.state.ne.us/districts/redistricting.htm
HONORABLE MENTION:
AZ: Morrison Institute for Public Policy, School of Public Affairs. AZ St. U.
Five Shoes Waiting to Drop on Arizona's Future
www.asu.edu/copp/morrison/apc2001.htm
PA: PA General Assembly Joint State Government Commission:
Driver Distractions and Traffic Safety
(submitted to NCSL website)
WI: Legislative Reference Bureau:
Tap the Power
Constitutional Highlights
www.legis.state.wi.us/lrb/pubs/tapthepower.htm or: conhigh.htm
OUTSTANDING PROACTIVE E-UPDATE SERVICE:
CA: California Research Bureau:
Studies in the News (back issues at: www.lib.state.ca.us "Special Resources")
CT: OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE:
OLR Updates (back issues at: www.cga.state.ct.us/olr)
SPECIAL CITATION FOR DEPTH OF ANALYSIS AND SPEED IN PRODUCING INFORMATION VITAL TO GOVERNMENT:
NY: NYC Comptroller:
Impact of the September 11 WTC Attack on NYC's Economy and Revenues
CONSISTENTLY OUTSTANDING CORPUS OF WORK:
KY: Legislative Research Commission:
- CD-Roms: Acts of the General Assembly & Journal of the General Assembly
- Kentucky General Assembly Membership 1900-2000
- V1. 1900-1949 V2. 1950-2000
- Executive Branch Contracting for Services: Inconsistent procedures limit accountability and efficiency
- Impact Plus: Design of Medicaid - Funded Program for children with severe emotional disturbance results in rapidly growing expenditures and difficult policy choices
Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center:
- Challenges for the New Century: Trends that will influence KY's future
- Foresight
- Education and the Common Good: Social Benefits of Higher Education in KY.
- Financing State and Local Government: Future challenges and opportunities
- Listening to Kentucky High Schools: Why some high schools Miss, Meet, and Exceed Predicted Post Secondary Outcomes
- Policy Notes: on issues of importance to KY's future
- Talking Back: Kentucky High School students and their future education plans
www.lrc.state.ky.us/lrcpubs.pdf
2001 Recipients
Special thanks to Deb Priest, Director of the New York Assembly Information Center, for again this year chairing the document awards committee. Also on the committee were Robbie LaFleur, Director of the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library; Sabah Eltareb, California Research Bureau; and Cathy Griffin, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. LRL appreciates your dedication and diligence in reviewing documents, setting up categories and choosing the winners.
GUIDES FOR MEMBERS
- Orientation Guide for Louisiana House Members, 2000-2004 Term
- Quick Guide to Floor Procedure in the Louisiana House of Representatives
- State and Local Government in Louisiana: An Overview, 2000-2004 Term
Louisiana House of Representatives, Hon. Charles W. DeWitt Jr, Speaker for the outstanding corpus of guides for Louisiana legislators
PUBLIC POLICY
Eminent Domain in Montana and Improving the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Process
Montana Legislative Environmental Policy Office, Todd Everts, Director
Shock of the New: Changes in the Generation, Transmission, and Distribution of Electricity in Montana
Montana Legislative Services Division, Lois Menzies, Executive Director
Too Much, Too Little, Too Late: An Assembly Investigation of CONNECTIONS -New York's Statewide Child Welfare Computer System
New York Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation, Scott M. Stringer, Chair and Committee on Children and Families, Roger L. Green, Chair
CITIZEN GUIDE
When You Are Concerned: A Guide for Families Concerned About the Safety of an Older Driver
New York State Office for the Aging, Dr. Patricia Pine, Director
2000 Recipients
Minnesota Budget: A Fiscal Policy Analysis
Minnesota State Senate
Office of Fiscal Policy Analysis
Nevada State Water Plan
Nevada Division of Water Planning
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Positioning Arizona to Achieve Maximum Benefit from the Information Economy
Arizona Legislature, Joint Legislative Study Committee on the Internet
Serial Award
Ohio LBO Policy Briefs
Ohio Legislative Budget Office
Session Weekly
Minnesota House of Representatives, Public Information Office
1999 Recipients
Arizona Blue Book
Arizona Secretary of State
Dilemma in the Millennium
Capital Needs of the World's Capital City
Comptroller of the City of New York
Insurance Discrimination
Against Victims of Domestic Violence
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and
Women's Law Project
Serial Award
Perspectives
New York State Assembly Committee on Ways and Means
URL Award
http://www.leginfo.state.sc.us/
South Carolina Legislative Information Systems
Special Award for Consistently Outstanding and Comprehensive Quality of Publications
Montana Environmental Quality Council
Texas Legislative Budget Board
1998 Recipients
In making selections for this award, legislative research librarians considered if the document:
- Clearly displayed the title, author, publisher, and date.
- Title reflected actual content.
- Appeared relevant to an identifiable readership.
- Significantly contributed to knowledge of concern to legislators.
- Was innovative in presentation of materials.
- Contained strong bibliographic/footnote entries.
- Presented information accurately and clearly in an organized fashion.
- Was published within the last two years.
- Offered graphics that were readily grasped.
- Compared state activites in an arena of contemporary legislative interest in a comprehensible manner.
- Expanded understanding of government processes, functions, or relationships.
- Attempted to provide balance and perspective from various sides in the political spectrum.
A "document" is one produced by a federal, state, or local government agency, by a foundation, consulting firm, or quasi-public or private sector organization. The format includes print, microfilm, CD-ROM, periodical/serial, or URL.
Documents produced by or under the auspices of NCSL's Legislative Research Librarians staff section are not eligible for the award.
LRL presented the second annual Notable Documents Awards at Annual Meeting. The selection committee was Deb Priest (NY), Cathy Griffin (AZ), Anne Craig (IL), Beth Furbush (MT) and Nancy Hays (TX). Documents submitted by legislative librarians were evaluated on subject matter, graphics, bibliographies, presentation and balance. The award recognizes excellence in documents that explore contemporary topics of interest to legislators and staff by presenting substantive material in an outstanding format. Look for an article about the awards in the October-November issue of State Legislatures.
The winners are:
Arizona Legislative Manual, Arizona Legislative Council
Clean and Green, Joint State Government Commission, Pennsylvania General Assembly
Minnesota Data Book for Legislators, Research Department, Minnesota House of Representatives
Notable URL awards went to:
Florida Monitor, Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us
Minnesota Legislative Reference Library: Feedlots and Links to the World
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