Information Resource Center
Rabat
The Information Resource Center (IRC) is an integral part of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy. It offers current reference materials and advanced research services about U.S. topics, including legislative developments, foreign and domestic policy, and social, economic and political issues. The IRC has access to a tremendous amount of information, much of it in electronic format.
Online Databases
• Books in Print: Provides bibliographic, ordering and publisher information for books currently in print and books soon to be published. Book reviews are also available for many titles.
• Factiva.com: Access to over 6,000 full text periodicals as well as major news sources such as Reuters wires, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. In many regions, Factiva provides strong host country news.
• Federal News Service: FNS provides transcripts to testimony, briefings, press conferences and congressional hearings with questions and answers. FNS also produces a daybook which details significant events in Washington as well as cabinet officer schedules.
• GaleNet: Gale's Ready Reference Shelf is an integrated resource that incorporates 15 of the Gale Group's most popular general reference databases. It gives access to more than 320,000 entries for associations, research centers, publishers, publications (ranging from newspapers and newsletters to periodicals and directories), databases, television and radio stations and more.
• Lexis-Nexis: A full text database of current and historic federal legislation, bill tracking, bill texts, state legislation, case law, law reviews and over 6,000 full text news sources and periodicals including the New York Times, Washington Post and AP wires. This page gives us access to Lexis-Nexis Universe, Lexis-Nexis Research and Political Universe.
• STAT-USA (Dept. of Commerce): Produced by the Commerce Department, StatUSA is an authoritative, current source of information which includes the National Trade Data Bank, Globus (Global Business Opportunities) Country Commercial Guides, current economic releases and much more.
IRC Services and Activities
- Reference Service
The IRC staff provides researchers and professionals with in-depth information and documentation on a wide variety of political, economic, social and cultural issues.
Requests for information should be addressed to the IRC staff by mail, fax, phone or e-mail.
- Outreach service
As part of its outreach program, the IRC distributes books, brochures, information packets, articles, and other products to selected recipients (in Morocco only). Moroccans with a professional interest in the United States can join this service by contacting the IRC staff.
- Internet orientation sessions
The IRC organizes Internet orientation sessions to Moroccan institutions and researchers, upon request. It provides also free tutorials on how to access U.S. Internet sites.
The IRC is member of the Board of English Language Librarians (BELL) a network of librarians and information specialists around the country whose aim is to increase information exchange between librarians with English Language Collections and enhance resource sharing between libraries
- Internet Room
The Internet Room is located in the IRC. Three PCs are available for Internet access for IRC members by appointment. With this access to the World Wide Web, the IRC can provide access to a wealth of information of interest to Moroccan researchers, journalists and business people. The Internet service is made available for research purposes only.
- U.S. Mission Web Site (http://rabat.usembassy.gov)
The Information Resource Center is responsible for the U.S. Mission in Morocco web site. This web site contains public information concerning activities and offices of the U.S. mission in Morocco, and includes:
- Information on consular and visa issues;
- Information on commercial and economic matters;
- Texts of press releases, speeches and transcripts;
- Information and documentation on U.S.-Morocco relations, including commerce and trade, foreign policy, sustainable development, democracy and information about the U.S.;
- Links to other U.S. and Moroccan web sites.
IRC Staff
The IRC staff provides quick reference assistance and research, utilizing the foregoing print and digital sources.
Queries are accepted by telephone, email (Webmaster_Rabat@state.gov), fax or in person (by appointment) during working hours.
Information Resource Center training and demonstration sessions on the electronic resources can be arranged for groups or individuals upon request. We especially welcome requests from NGOs, the media, business organizations, government and university faculty.
IRC Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
