In an effort to put paper phone books completely out of business, National Journal – in collaboration with Jive – JESS3 and New Media Strategies has launched an interactive professional online network called 3121. [3121 is the phone extension of the Capitol switchboard]

In a nutshell, 3121 is a dynamic directory [or social network], available only to congressional members and staff, that facilitates networking and communication by allowing users to set up profiles, share strategy, and generally connect with each other.

Prior to the development of 3121, Congress has had to depend on spotty directories, fax machines and smoke signals in order to contact one another.

For more on the 3121, read the @Mashable post.