U.S. Government Channel on YouTube

Market Wire reported on May 21, 2009 that YouTube would host The U.S.Government Channel. This channel was developed to bring more transparency into our Government and provide answers to basic civics questions from various federal departments. The participating departments include the State Department, FBI, NOAA, NASA, IRS, the Social Security Administration, the Library of Congress, the Centers for Disease Control, and the White House, just to name a few. Each agency provides answers to common questions like tax information, how to get a passport, how to apply for Social Security benefits, and weekly addresses from the President.

The Law Library of Congress began posting debates and discussions on YouTube in January 2011. These videos include lectures on Constitutional law, foreign law, and debates on topics about Guantanamo detainees and the legal challenges facing NATO. While there is not a lot of information posted now, the videos that are there cover very interesting topics and are definitely worth watching. The lectures are from distinguished law professors, members of Congress, U.N. Representatives, law librarians, and high ranking military officials. The majority of the videos posted cover various aspects of International Law so for those interested in this area of law; the Law Library of Congress is definitely worth a visit.

Written By Brooke Jennings, Law Librarian Fellow