Databases receive their copyright protection (or lack of protection) under several provisions in the copyright act, including the provisions on public domain, compilations, derivative works, and original works. Application of fair use to copyrighted databases centers on downloading; protection for locally produced databases can be secured.…

This newsletter focuses on the relationship between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and religious broadcasters. It traces the history of that relationship and discusses some of the pressures put on both. It includes a discussion of a recent avalanche of mail at the FCC supporting the church on the airways. It also summarizes some of…

Legislation that passed and died in the 99th Congress is outlined, including acts concerning curriculum and related programs, research, foreign students, faculty and other personnel policies, public agencies, presidential libraries, tax reform, the G.I. Bill, and graduate medical education. (MSE)

Examines three questions: As the focus of regulation has shifted toward environmental and health issues and scientific rulemaking has emerged, what has been the experience with "shared and sequential policymaking" and "policymaking based on evidence"? What is the potential for the future? and What is the new role of science in…

Discusses the problem of increased governmental constraints on the flow of scientific and technical information. Suggests that attempts to limit scientific communication may hinder the very dynamism our society seeks to promote. (JN)

Various facets of EDGAR (the Education Department General Administrative Regulations) are discussed: why it was formed, its provisions, work of the task force, the consolidation process, simplifying the language, its new emphasis, and guidance on grant use. (CT)

Issues related to reports and proposed regulations seeking to limit openness in scientific work because of national security interests are discussed. Although administration officials argue that free flow of scientific information allows United States' adversaries to grow stronger at our expense, imposition of controls may undermine U.S. vitality…

Answers questions about Joint Dissemination Review Panel (JDRP) projects concerning such topics as success rate of projects going before the JDRP, appeal procedures, and accepted level of statistical significance. (CT)

Some 180 different forms are used by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to cover the broad range of business activities regulated by the agency. This report examines the forms that are of greatest use to those seeking information about business. These forms are grouped in the following categories: general business information,…

Discusses issue of photocopying of unpublished personal papers by archives and manuscript repositories at request of individual researchers. Historical rationale for common-law protection, support for statutory law protection, ambiguities in fair-use provisions, effects on photocopying, survey of manuscript repositories, and dissatisfaction with…

Discusses two views of the relationship between technical issues and policy decisions. Also discusses the "burden-of-proof" issue, distributional issues, and issues related to public participation and decision making. Indicates a need for greater introspection into nontechnical values and preferences affecting the selection of evidence and its…

Reprography of musical works as covered by Copyright Law 1976 (section 108) and new law (PL94-553) is discussed. Historical interpretation and exclusion of music and copyright, impact of law on music libraries, and recommendations for revision of law by Music Library Association and Music Publisher's Association of America are highlighted. (EJS)

The U.S. Training Census and Trends Report indicates that the structure and emphasis of training are being affected by demographic trends, the emergence of new technologies, and government regulations. Training appears to evolve to meet the needs of individual industries. (SK)

The regulations prescribed by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare regarding human subjects research are examined including their effects on research procedures. (MM)

This report summarizes the General Accounting Office's (GAO) review of six federal agencies' compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and its 1980 amendments. The six agencies have not fully complied with their responsibilities and, as a result, federally owned or managed historic properties have been damaged or allowed to…