Bernan Press

The almanac of the unelected; 2007, 20th ed.

This almanac features profiles of about 550 senior congressional staff members who work behind the scenes in US legislature. Profiles summarize their educational and professional background, give contact information, and describe what legislation they work on. They are organized by the House and Senate, and then by specific committee, as well as special and joint committees. Some photos are included. Four short essays on non-government organizations, communicating with voters, lobbying, and news reporting, written by consultants, individuals who worked in the White House, and political correspondents, precede the profiles. Only a name index is provided. Struglinski is Washington bureau chief for the Deseret Morning News, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Statistical abstract of the United States; the national data book, 126th ed; 2007, library edition.

Published annually since 1878, this is a statistical summary of social, political, and economic organization in the United States that can also serve as a guide to other statistical publications and sources, governmental and private. Although emphasis is given to national data, data sets for regions, states, metropolitan areas, and cities are included. For this edition, statistics are generally given for the most recent year or period available by summer 2006. New to this edition are 72 tables covering such subject areas as learning disability for children, people impacted by the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast area, employees with alternative work arrangements, adult computer and Internet users by selected characteristics, the North American cruise industry, women- and minority-owned businesses, and the percentage of the adult populations considered to be obese. The Library Edition features 25% larger type and a sturdy binding designed to withstand heavy use. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The United States government internet manual, 2007.

Judging from this compilation of over 1700 web sites, the US government can answer as many questions as you can throw at it. This compilation, which includes comprehensive indices (including a Spanish web site index), covers agriculture, fishing, forestry, business, economics, culture, recreation, defense and intelligence, demographics and sociology, education, employment, energy, engineering and technology, environment and nature, government and politics, health and safety, international relations, law and law enforcement, the legislative branch and the presidency, science and space, social welfare, and transportation, along with sites for members of Congress and congressional committees. Although invaluable for students and researchers, the entries are accessible enough to suit compulsive surfers and the incidentally curious. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)