Bits, Bytes and Barks
Conference audio tapes
Audio tapes from the March 1998 sessions at Indiana CAR are now available for ordering from Sound Images, which can be reached at (303) 649-1811. For more information or a downloadable order form, point your browser to www.ire.org/resources/nicar/conferences/indiana/audio.html
Audio tapes from the June 1998 IRE National Conference in New Orleans are also available. For more information, point your browser to www.ire.org/resources/conferences/neworleans/audio.html.
Campaign Finance Information Center
Downloadable campaign finance data from 14 states is free from the CFIC at www.campaignfinance.org. We also have links to 16 online search engines hosted by other nonprofits and state boards of election. We will soon release an online search engine where you can track a contributors money trail across states.
The more inclusive this database, the better for everyone. So, if you have state or local campaign data you want included, contact the CFIC coordinators, Jack Dolan (jack@nicar.org) or Cindy Eberring (cindy@nicar.org). They can also be reached at (573) 884-1802. The CFIC credits everyone who contributes data.
Other services available on the CFIC Web site include a directory of campaign finance reporters, a collection of campaign finance stories to generate story ideas, and information on joining the CFIC-L mailing list.
Moving on
If you have recently switched affiliations, let us know of your whereabouts. Send an email to Brent Johnson at bjohnson@nicar.org
Power boost
The Database Library recently purchased a 3480/3490/3490E tape drive. In the library's experience processing local and federal data sets, it appears that many agencies are moving toward the 3490E format, which is written at 36-track. If you receive data in this format, NICAR can now process it. Call (573) 882-0684 for more information.
Conferences abound
Information on upcoming IRE and NICAR national and regional conferences is now available on the IRE Web site.
The National Computer-Assisted Reporting Conference, presented by IRE and NICAR along with The Boston Globe, will be held March 11-14, 1999 in Boston. You may register online or download an early registration form at www.ire.org/resources/conferences/boston
The Investigative Reporters and Editors National Conference, co-sponsored by The Kansas City Star and KCTV, will be held June 3-6, 1999 in Kansas City. You may also register online or download an early registration form at www.ire.org/resources/conferences/kansascity
Information on upcoming IRE and NICAR national and regional conferences is now available.