RE: Question for Tuesday, September 26: What Can Libraries Do,What Do Libraries Need

[Paul Orum <paul_orum@yahoo.com>]

Re: One of today's questions, "What do organizations,
individuals, and communities need to build capacity for
environmental decision-making?"

This is a broad question.  Here's a broad answer (perhaps
overly broad).  

People need:
1] Reliable information;
2] Well-organized communities;
3] Reliable technical assistance;
4] Appropriate opportunities to intervene;
5] Meaningful access to redress and justice;
6] An expert and effective regulatory system;
7] Policies grounded in prevention and precaution;
8] Freedom from fear, powerlessness, and disinformation;
9] Stable livelihoods, adequate health care, education, etc;
10] Experience.

Libraries are just a piece of the puzzle.  It would make a great
difference if libraries could actively help people to address the
disinformation put out by public relations firms, monitor permits,
find technical resources, etc.

Paul Orum
Working Group on Community Right-to-Know