Cleveland Public Library

The People's University

Presidential Transitions

On January 20, 2009, President-elect, Barack Obama, will be sworn in as the 44^th President of the United States.  To provide information about the transition process and his forthcoming administration, Barack Obama has launched the website Change.gov.  The transition from one administration to another is a complex process, taking several weeks to complete before the President is inaugurated in January. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is charged with providing for the smooth transition as set forth in the Presidential Transition Act of 1963.  The Transition Directory explains how the various divisions and agencies of the federal government operate and provides resources to help the new administration "hit the ground running." 

Sometimes it is helpful to read clear analysis of the often confusing issues facing the government and we, the people.  One resource that the members of Congress have at their disposal is the Congressional Research Service (CRS).  The charge of the CRS is to support the legislative branch of the U.S. government by providing thoroughly researched materials that are easy to read and comprehend.  Although these reports are not publicly disseminated by Congress, they are collected online in several places, one such place being Open CRS. Here are two such reports that pertain to the Presidential transition: 

Presidential Transitions: Issues Involving Outgoing and Incoming Administrations

2008-2009 Presidential Transition: National Security Considerations and Options

As a congressionally designated depository library, Cleveland Public Library's Government Documents collection provides access to many government publications.  Additionally, the following books might be of interest:

The White House world : transitions, organization, and office operations

Jones, Charles. Passages to the presidency : from campaigning to governing

Smith, Stephanie. Presidential Transitions: 1960-2001