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Library News

Staff working in House television production roomOver the past year, as legislative operations have shifted and evolved in light of the pandemic, House Public Information Services and Senate Media Services have worked diligently to continue providing the public access to legislative proceedings, and to expand and enhance online content. Both offices increased live stream capacity dramatically to address the realities of remote committee hearings. The House now offers five live streaming channels, up from two in previous sessions, and on any given busy session day broadcasts up to 18 hearings. The Senate provides four live streaming channels, also an increase from previous sessions. And both offices have made video captioning accuracy a priority.

In light not only of this recent work, but also the many years' work before the pandemic, Library staff nominated Barry LaGrave, House Public Information Services Director, and Steve Senyk, Senate Media Services Director, for the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information's John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award, and they and their offices are one of this year's recipients! This award is given to those "whose work in defense of the public's right to know has made a difference in Minnesota." Staff working in Senate television production room

These two offices, under Barry and Steve's leadership, have made robust contributions to providing access to legislative information in Minnesota for many years, but their recent work has been especially remarkable. The past year has required quick thinking, sudden adaptations, creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and expanded infrastructure, all of which these two offices brought to bear in their work.

Join us in congratulating House Public Information Services and Senate Media Services on this award! An online awards ceremony will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Photo credits: House Public Information Services and Senate Media Services.