Subject access to government documents in an era of globalization: Intellectual bundling of entities affected by the decisions of supranational organizations

Abstract

Abstract As a result of the growing influence of supranational organizations, there is a need for a new model for subject access to government information in academic libraries. Rulings made by supranational bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and rulings determined under the auspices of transnational economic agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) often supersede existing law, resulting in obligatory changes to national, provincial, state, and municipal legislation. Just as important is the relationship among private sector companies, third party actors such as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and governments. The interaction among the various entities affected by supranational rulings could potentially form the basis of a new model for subject access to government information.