by Kristine Lloyd

Remember when the Federal Register was just 16 pages?* Ok, so none of us do, but apparently, that was its length when first published in 1936. Well, as they say, you’ve come a long way baby. From 16 pages to veritable tomes, the Federal Register has morphed from pamphlet to paperweight to pdf, and then most recently to XML. An exciting new development is underway. On July 26th, the Federal Register will unveil its new website, a site modeled after news sites. As the managing editor, Michael White says, “It’s like USA.gov meets USA Today.” The site will have six main categories: Money, Environment, World, Science & Technology, Business & Industry and Health & Public Welfare. Apparently, there will be more editorial selection and homepage prominence of rules which relate to hot topics. Hopefully, we’ll all still be able to get right to what we’re looking for online. I can’t recall the last time I watched an attorney walk out with a print version for a little light reading.

*According to The Washington Post article the first publication was 11 pages, but according to NARA, it was 16, published March 14, 1936.

One Response to “A New Format for the Federal Register”

1. Philippe C. says:

   July 16, 2010 at 5:12 pm

   Strange to admit but it is exciting. Hopefully the update will make the FR more accessible and effectively put on display its relevancy.