The Watchdog is Watched: A Bibliography of Materials about GAO

The U.S. General Accounting Office is often described as the Congressional watchdog; but who watches the watchdog? There are actually several sources of review and criticism for GAO's work. GAO evaluates its own work in annual reports and other publications. Congress has not been hesitant to comment, both favorably and unfavorably, about its support agency's work. The objects of GAO's scrutiny (and other groups thought to be affected by that scrutiny) are also vocal commentators. Students and scholars of the government process have often found GAO an interesting agency to study. Finally, the press frequently comments on GAO as well as compiling the comments of others.

The focus of this bibliography is on the last two groups. The items cited here are books, reports, theses, dissertations, copies of speeches and other unpublished materials, and journal and newspaper articles that discuss the organization, administration, and general or long-term effects of GAO on government, accounting, and evaluation. Articles discussing individual GAO reports have not been included; nor, in general, have Congressional and GAO publications (although material by GAO staff in other publications has been).