WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 13th annual National Freedom of Information Day Conference will be held Wednesday, March 16, at the Knight Conference Center at the Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

Hosted each year by the First Amendment Center, the conference brings together open records advocates, government officials, judges, lawyers, librarians, journalists, educators and others to discuss timely issues related to transparency in government and public access to official records.

The program is conducted in partnership with the American Library Association, The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, OMB Watch, OpenTheGovernment.org, and The National Security Archive at George Washington University; and in cooperation with the annual "Sunshine Week" initiative sponsored by the American Society of News Editors.

The conference includes the announcement by the American Library Association of recipients of its annual James Madison Award. The ALA presents the Madison award to individuals or groups that have championed, protected and promoted public access to government information and the public's right to know.

This year's conference also will feature the induction of one or more nominees into the National Freedom of Information Act Hall of Fame, honoring those who have made significant contributions to protecting and expanding access to government information. The Hall was created in 1996 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the federal Freedom of Information Act. In addition to the charter class in 1996, a new class of inductees has been installed every five years (2001 and 2006). For information about members of the Hall of Fame, visit:  http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/about.aspx?item=FOIA_Hall_of_Fame.

The conference, a full day of panel discussions and presentations, begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. ET. As the conference agenda is finalized, program details will be announced on the First Amendment Center's Web site: www.firstamendmentcenter.org.

There is no charge to attend, but because there is somewhat limited space, participants must register individually in advance. To register for the 2011 conference, e-mail or telephone Ashlie Hampton of the First Amendment Center at ahampton@freedomforum.org, or 202-292-6288. When registering, please provide your name, title, affiliation and contact information.

The First Amendment Center supports the First Amendment and builds understanding of its core freedoms through education, information and entertainment. The center is nonpartisan and does not lobby or litigate.

SOURCE First Amendment Center

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