I have already emailed the editor of ukonline (attached) and will pass on
any reply I get.  I havn't emailed the open.gov.uk feedback.

I think we have to be a little careful about expressing contempt of
UKonline.  After all, it's designed for "the citizen" and is part of the
initiative to bring government to the people.  We can hardly complain if, in
this respect, it is not designed for the professional user.  Personally, I
find the "Life Episodes" sections quite good - they're not remotely meant
for librarians, and you wouldn't be able to find the information contained
within them on open.gov.uk (at least not without the maximum expertise we
can muster, plus the help of the CAB and other agencies).

What we need to concentrate on is the replacement for open.gov - i.e. the
Quick Find section.  The point I tried to make in my email to the editor was
that there is a need for professionals - including information professionals
but also public sector employees and others, as well as the the informed
citizen (a type we know so well in libraries) to have direct, efficient,
immediate and comprehensive access to official information.

Colleagues on lis-link, who have missed out on much of this thread, may be
able suggest other organisations which we should bring into play if we are
to put any organised pressure on the powers that be.  What about people
working in advice centres of various kinds?  the National Association of
Citizens Advice Bureaux?
Sarah
------------------------------------------
Sarah Carter, Law Librarian
Templeman Library, University of Kent
Canterbury, CT2 7NU, UK
Tel:  +44 (0)1227 823111
Fax:  +44 (0)1227 823984
LAWLINKS - legal information on the internet
http://www.ukc.ac.uk/library/lawlinks/