The LBJ Journal has achieved another important milestone in its 13-year history. This year, it was accepted by the nonprofit Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), which will make the print version of the student publication available for academic reference around the world.

As has been done for the past couple of years, Journal staff produced both print and Web-based versions of the publication. The Web-based eJournal featured pro and con articles on various national and local issues as well as an interactive chat room.

According to Journal Managing Editor Joan Lim, the editorial board sent news advisories to Austin media during the fall to promote the online discussions that were taking place on the eJournal site. Focusing on the hotly debated U.S. presidential election and a controversial local proposal to establish a light rail system in Austin, the discussions eventually drew attention to the LBJ School. On November 6, ABC affiliate KVUE 24 News aired an interview with Managing Editor Wesley Wilson.

Although the online Journal began three years ago, the idea to feature articles and discussions tied to current events was developed by this year's editorial board.

"We couldn't have imagined the success that this endeavor would have," Wilson said, adding that comments about the site had been received from visitors "as far away as London."

The latest edition of the print Journal will be distributed this summer and will feature a new look, a design by Lim. Inside, the publication will contain its usual array of articles. As in the past, the print version will also be posted electronically in the Journal's Web site.

This year's Practitioner's Corner will be by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold and will be entitled "A Different Currency for the Body Politic: How a New Generation of Activism is Changing Political Involvement."

Among the other articles in this year's issue will be "The Second Level of Presidential Influence on the News Media: A Longitudinal Analysis of Agenda Setting," "Regional Variations in the Development of the Internet in China," and "The Medical Safety Net for Legal Immigrants in Texas: Challenges Posed by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996."

This year's Journal staff is composed of three managing editors--Lim, Wilson, and Susan Vermeer--and 10 associate editors--Steven Berkowitz, Wendy Block, Max Castaneda, Esther Cervantes, Laura Grund, Robin McMillion, Fred Richardson, Suzannah Sennetti, Kathryn Supinski, and Laura Wolford. All editors are LBJ School students.

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May 14, 2001

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