Unequal access to information has significant social and political consequences, and is itself a consequence of sociotechnical systems born of social, cultural, economic, and institutional context. Information is unequally distributed both within and between communities. While many factors that shape information inequality shift subtly over time,…

This article seeks to describe briefly various initiatives taken to ease recognition and comparison of formal qualifications across borders in the EU. It takes a political angle, from binding legal instruments such as directives and decisions to policy instruments such as recommendations and voluntary action and covers 27 Member States with very…

Argues that the European Union's expectations in building an information society are exaggerated. Summarizes the information and telecommunications policy of the European Union (EU), discusses the EU's understanding of the term "information society," and raises questions about specific EU activities to establish an information society.…

Describes the results of a literature survey on recent developments in national information policies in the area of universal access that tries to ensure equal access to information, and considers the digital divide. Highlights include policies in Australia, Canada, the European Union, Hong Kong, the United States, and Okinawa. (Contains 64…

Describes a planned session that addressed information policies in the global community that impact information professionals and users worldwide. Highlights include case studies, the European Union's Database Directive on anti-piracy, empowerment of disadvantaged communities, and the development of information policy in Israel. Presentations…

Provides an overview and comparison of the historical trends in information policy-making and recent proposals for the information infrastructure in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, and Canada. The role of the private sector, including transnational corporations, is also considered. (MES)

Examines two multilateral approaches that aim to raise the level of intellectual property protection for databases. Discusses how both proposals, the European Union (EU) new Database Directive and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty fail to provide ample copyright exemption provisions, necessary for offsetting the expanded…

Freedom of information and open government are becoming important issues in the European Community and Union. Although recent reforms have allowed greater access to Community and Union documents by individuals, the question of national parliaments and their rights is unresolved. Openness at the European level is vital if the Community and Union…