Notable SC Documents Announced

Some of the most notable documents produced in the state last year were recognized Tuesday at the South Carolina State Library. Library officials unveiled the winners of their ten most notable state documents for 2009.

By: Joseph Kasko | jkasko@florencenews.com | WJBF-TV
Published: March 16, 2010

Columbia, SC -– Some of the most notable documents produced in the state last year were recognized Tuesday at the South Carolina State Library.

Library officials unveiled the winners of their ten most notable state documents for 2009.

“These were the best of the best of this year’s crop,” said David Goble, director of S.C. State Library.

“If they say something that’s important about the state (or) if they provide really good information about an important topic,” then they make the list, said Goble.

The awards are presented annually on or near March 16, which is Freedom of Information day.

This year’s winners included two electronic documents, the University of South Carolina’s Digital Library Website and an ETV documentary about former FBI agent and South Carolina native Melvin Purvis.

“Libraries have started out with stone tablets and now we’re talking about digital books, so we’ve always had to deal with changing formats and this is nothing new,” said Goble.

He says notable documents will continue to take new forms with changes in technology.

Other winners included the Department of Education’s School District Report Card Summary and a coffee table book on the state’s parks.

About 30 documents from around the state are nominated and then library officials vote for the ten best.

Goble says the school report received the most votes this year.

“They sort of reflect accountability for our education system. That’s an important aspect and it’s going to be important ten years down the road (or) 50 years down the road,” he said.

The S.C. Department of Parks produced their book, entitled 'Beautiful Places: The Timeless Beauty of South Carolina State Parks', to mark the 75th anniversary of the department.

“It showcases the state park system from all over the state and its beautiful pictures,” said Phil Gaines, director of S.C. State Parks.

“It documents the history of state parks in that 75 years,” he said, “It’s a reflection of where our state has been over the years.”

Gaines says it’s an honor to have the book name one of the state’s best.

“It’s very rewarding…it’s a piece of history now.”