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Historic, Archive Document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. ' 7 ^ Rural Information Center APRIL UPDATE 1993 National Agricultural Library U.S. Department of Agriculture Beltsville, MD 20705 ISSN:1061-4168 Overall, symposium participants concluded that GAO CONVENES RURAL rural viability depends on the perspective of local DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM planners who see the “big picture,” and on Congress charged the General Accounting Office flexible federal programming that can (GAO) to assist them in identifying the major accommodate a variety of local needs. economic issues facing rural America. GAO “One-size-fits-all” federal programs are not as assembled a symposium of 78 rural experts for likely to be effective for the broad range of this purpose. The symposium, held June 11-12, problems facing rural areas. Traditional 1992, included local and regional leaders, agricultural programs offered by federal policy do financial experts, members of nonprofit not meet the needs of rural communities where a associations and representatives from local, state steadily decreasing number of residents depend and federal government. The resulting report, on farm income. Rural Development, Rural America Faces Many Challenges, is a Copies of this report, collection of papers presented at the GAO/RCED-93-35, may be symposium. obtained for $2 each (first one free), accompanied by a check or money Symposium participants agreed that Rev italizing Rural order payable to the: Superintendent three major characteristics make it America difficult for many rural areas to of Documents, U.S. General remain viable under current and Accounting Office, RO. Box 6015, predicted economic conditions. Gaithersburg, MD 20877; or by calling (202) 275-6214. These characteristics include: remoteness, low population density and dependence on a RURAL COMMUNITIES: New particular industry. To further complicate Television Series problems, rural areas often do not have the influence that more populated areas have and Annenberg/CPB Collection released a thirteen find it diffucult to compete for resources. part, college-level telecourse exploring rural America, entitled: Rural Communities: Legacy Three needs must be addressed before rural areas and Change. The series began airing on public can overcome these challenges. Rural areas need television stations throughout the country this to gain access to information about and expertise January. in areas such as business planning and development and international competition; rural The series “visits sixteen diverse regions across areas need a more educated work force; and, rural the country, delving into the difficulties and joys revitalization efforts must address the problems of faced by individuals, families, and communities in sustaining the environment, improving rural areas.” The series includes interviews from infrastructure, and capitalizing on the benefits of residents who are “seldom heard in the mass telecommunications. media,” nevertheless, they all have an opinion on A Joint Project of: Extension National 800-603-7701 Service Agricultural Library (301) 504-5547 National A<rncultural Library the past, present and future of their rural course requirement for courses on social community. problems, community studies, or rural sociology. Some of the questions addressed in the series are Those who want to find out more about the exact “why is land so rich in resources unable to support date should call their local PBS station. For those those who live there, how do communities who would like to enroll in the telecourse for balance tradition with change, and how can credit, or to purchase the series on videocassette, growth be sustained without sacrificing the sense contact: 1-800-LEARNER. The cost is $350.00 of community important to those living in rural for the series, or $29.95 per episode. areas which account for more than 90 percent of STAFF PRESENTATION the nation?” Patricia John, RIC Coordinator, gave a In addition to the thirteen-part series, the presentation on February 22, at the National telecourse is comprised of a textbook, a study Rural Development Coordination Meeting head guide and a faculty guide, fulfilling a one-semester in Globe, AZ, February 22-24. BREAKDOWN OF RURAL QUESTIONS FY93 RURAL INFORMATION Health Services. ...53% CENTER ANALYSIS Economic Viability. ...31% • User location • Rural topics Quality of Life. ... 10% • Affiliation Local Government Services. .5% Leadership. .1% STATES, TERRITORIES, ETC. SUBMITTING HIGHEST NUMBER OF AFFILIATION BREAKDOWN REQUESTS Health Care Professionals, Organizations, State & Local Health Offices, etc. ...19% Illinois. .7% Individuals. ...15% District of Columbia. .6% Universities & Other Educational Institutions. ...14% Maryland. .5% State & County Extension Service. ...12% California, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania & Texas (4% each). .20% Businesses. .8% Colorado, Minnesota, New York USDA Officials... .7% (3% each). .9% Local Officials & Economic Development Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, & Community Organizations Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, (5% each). ...10% Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Federal Officials (non-USDA) & Libraries Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington, (4% each). .8% Wisconsin (2 each). .34% Special Interest Groups. .3% All Others (23 states, 1 territory, 13 foreign countries). .19% Congress & State Officials (2% each).. .4%