Online Extra: Useful links about data
Government might run on IT systems, but the key to success is control of information. In 2006, data will take center stage. Here is a collection of online resources readers may find useful.
Data Reference ModelSecond draft of the DRMGAO ReportsThese are some of the recent reports issued by the Government Accountability Office on different aspects of data, from issues of control and reliability to mining, sharing and management. Other reports may be found by searching the GAO
Web siteAssessing the Reliability of Computer-Processed DataRecord Linkage and Privacy: Issues in Creating New Federal Research and Statistical InformationWorkforce Investment Act: Labor and States Have Taken Actions to Improve Data Quality, but Additional Steps Are NeededData Mining: Agencies Have Taken Key Steps to Protect Privacy in Selected Efforts, but Significant Compliance Issues RemainData Mining: Federal Efforts Cover a Wide Range of UsesData Mining: Results and Challenges for Government Program Audits and InvestigationsGeographic Information Systems: Challenges to Effective Data SharingInformation Technology: Terrorist Watch Lists Should Be Consolidated to Promote Better Integration and SharingInformation Management: Challenges in Managing and Preserving Electronic RecordsLegislationS 1169, Federal Agency Data-Mining Reporting Act of 2005There are many pieces of legislation in which aspects of data management are included, such as the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act, which Congress will be addressing when it reconvenes at the end of January. Readers may search for relevant bills and laws at the
Library of Congress Web site.
Other LinksThe Homeland Security Department's inspector general issued a
report in October on faulty data obstructing the pursuit of individuals who overstayed their visas. Senior Writer Wilson Dizard
covered the story for GCN.
Frank Dravis, the guru of 'dirty data' problems, runs a blog
here. Dravis also participated in a
GCN interview last summer.