REGULATING THE FLOW OF DATA - OMB AND THE CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

What is the role of government in data collection and dissemination? The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is involved in regulating the flow of government information in at least four ways: its participation in the development and implementation of government information and statistical policy; the setting of budgets for centralized statistical agencies (CESTAs); the forms review process, and control of the information collection budget. With special attention to CESTAs, the author analyzes OMB's performance of these four responsibilities during Reagan's administration and provides a short overview of recent changes in the federal government's information policy. The author concludes that during the Reagan administration OMB tried to tighten the flow of government data. He suggests more attention should be paid to the social-goods nature of information when considering the role of government in data collection and dissemination.