Presenters Paul Grole and Kathy Cadwallader of the Library of Michgian conducted a brief tour of the OPAC and CD-ROM databases available to their primary clientele, members of the Michigan Legislature. A variety of information sources are utilized, some being Congressional Master File, Census materials, OSHA documents, newspaper and magazine files, directories and encyclopedias, Michigan information, legislature and state government information, and maps/geographic information. In addition, two workstations provide Internet access to a number of government documents links. There are long-range plans to migrate from the NOTIS system to the Innovative system in order to provide the Library's OPAC, CD-ROM databases, and Internet access on one platform.

Paul Grole spoke on "CD-ROM Issues" vis a vis the GPO minimum work station configuration recommended by the FDLP. Paul noted that of the 250 titles on the Library of Michigan network, only approximately 180 are online "active." His recommendation is a setup of CD tower servers for online storage of "hot," or very popular titles, and a jukebox, or near-line storage of lesser-used titles. His presentation continued with some basic requirements in hardware/software support, the pros and cons of networked systems, workstation security issues, and utilization of vendor support.

Larry Hall presided over a summary discussion of four depository libraries' present implementation situations--CMU, Albion College, U of M-Flint, and Wayne State University. Documents librarians from each institution explained how they are managing technical compliance with the GPO minimum guidelines. Detailed handouts of hardware/software specifications from each library were distributed to attendees.

After lunch, scheduled speaker Professor William Frey, of the University of Michigan Population Studies Center discussed the SSDAN project. This project, funded by NSF and the U.S. Department of Education, helps college and university instructors introduce user-friendly census data analysis into their classes. Datasets from the 1950 to 1990 censuses can be used in courses on race relations, gender studies, marriage and the family, economics, and other related topics. The presentation was accompanied by SSDAN sample output handouts.

Tthe SSDAN homepage is located at http://www.psc.lsa.umich.edu/SSDAN/. Faculty may register and request a free start-up package by sending an e-mail to SSDAN-Staff@umich.edu.

Past President Sally Lawler spoke about an ALA (Summer) Pre-Conference Program she attended, "De-Mystifying Government Documents." Sally noted that, for the most part, the audience comprised general reference librarians not specializing in government documents. It was proposed that future ALA pre-conferences move to a satellite teleconference or electronic conference format to reach more participants.

The June minutes were approved, pending this one correction--the call for nominations for the Thurston Award is to appear in the September '96 issue of DTTP; this issue should be distributed by December. There is no November issue, as erroneously recorded in the original minutes.

Michael McDonnell distributed copies of his Treasurer's report, with summary data as of October 7, 1996. As we expected, GODORT of Michigan continues "in the black" with a total capital balance of $4,626.06.

The deadline for Thurston Award nominations, (contact Janet Schneider at Schoolcraft College) is February 1, 1997. The criteria for nominees has been clarified on a special nomination form that Janet designed. Copies of the form were distributed to attendees.

Ideas for future GODORT programs were discussed.

• Larry Hall revisited Cass Hartnett's idea for inviting library science instructors to speak on teaching government documents resources in the environment of the Web.

• Grace York suggested a program on learning to manipulate microdata and other statistical information.

• A CIESIN field trip was discussed; Debbie Schaubman advised contacting CIESIN for any training program offerings. A possible tie-in with the Spring '97 Michigan Council of Depository Libraries meeting will be explored.

Sally Lawler, Government Documents Librarian, Purdy/Kresge Library, Wayne State University, has asked Marilyn Moody to come and give a presentation on "Demystifying Documents on the Internet" to Godort of Michigan at our next annual meeting. (Tentative Date : Friday, May 9, 1996; Tentative Location : University of Michigan DIAD Computer Lab in the Undergraduate Library). Lunch will be on your own.

She hopes that everyone will bring a friend, whether or not they are documents librarians, since the lab will accomodate up to 30 pairs (60 people).

Sally also reports that she was so impressed by Moody's ALA preconference presentation last year in New York, that she has been working on creating a web page reflecting some of Moody's ideas. She invites everyone to take a look at http://www.libraries.wayne.edu/purdy/govtrain.html and to send her feedback at slawler@cms.cc.wayne.edu.