WISE Government Act

This bill aims to make it easier for federal workers to access scientific journals and similar subscriptions. It bans contracts for journal subscriptions that hide the price from other federal agencies or the Library of Congress. It also requires each agency library to post, on the agency intranet, clear instructions on how employees (including regional staff) can use library subscriptions, within 6 months of the law taking effect.

Within 12 months, the General Services Administration must send Congress and agency libraries a plan to expand access. The plan must list what subscriptions agencies buy and their costs; describe problems like contract terms, new publishing formats, access in headquarters and regional offices, buying system issues, and prices; and offer short- and long-term fixes, including whether more transparency and new buying models are needed. The bill does not require sharing information that is already protected from public release by law.

Key points

• Who is affected: Federal agencies, agency libraries, federal employees (including regional staff), and the Library of Congress.
• What changes: No more subscription contracts that hide prices; agency libraries must post access instructions on the intranet; GSA must deliver a report with data and recommendations to improve access to journals and serials.
• When: Intranet access info due within 6 months of enactment; the report is due within 12 months.