The Internet as a networked system has been rendered more complex than ever before as human endpoints are grafted into the system via increasingly pervasive and personalized networked devices. According to the United Nations, the Internet is a transnational enabler of a number of human rights, and as such, access to the Internet has been…

Describes how to use the Internet to access commercial online database services, such as DIALOG, and discusses the advantages in terms of costs, reference services, and accessibility. Outlines in detail how to save a search session or link another terminal to a Telnet session, and provides information and Internet addresses for eight vendor…

Highlights key aspects of and issues related to the "Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998," a bill passed by the U.S. Senate on May 14, 1998. Discussion includes banning of black boxes (i.e., technological-protection measures such as tv signal scramblers), fair-use protection, identification of copyrighted works, protection for…

Discusses how service providers can address the challenge of costs and the need for attractive services valuable to business customers. Focuses on Internet service control; applying intelligent networking features to the internet working services dilemma; and providing access control over network-based applications for Internet virtual private…

Examines the costs of finding information on the Internet via basic online access providers and consumer information utilities. Offers tips and strategies to help in choosing and using a search service. Presents a table that outlines suggested costs for example Internet searches. (JMV)

In 1997, the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) supported a project on the geographic spread of the commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) market. This Research Brief describes some of the principle findings of a report (by Professor Shane Greenstein of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University) on the…

This first article in a professional development series focuses on making the right connections, through technology and with other people, to enable more effective teaching and learning. Highlights include using electronic mail in classroom activities, getting connected to the Internet, and fundamental concepts and procedures. (DGM)

Outlines the basic options that schools and libraries have for accessing the Internet, focusing on four models: direct connection; dial access using SLIP/PPP (Serial Line Internet Protocol/Point-to-Point Protocol); dial-up using terminal emulation mode; and dial access through commercial online services. Discusses access option issues such as…

Presents a guide for school librarians to the terminology involving different types of Internet connections. Highlights include determining how the Internet will be used; organizations that offer free access; commercial online services; Internet access providers; dial-up versus dedicated connections; costs; and hardware and software…

This paper presents briefly the concept of the Internet and lists the Internet service providers in India (Education and Research Network from Department of Electronics, National Informatics Network from National Informatics Center, Gateway Internet Access Service from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited, and SOFTNET from Software Technology Parks India)…

Content-control proposals have been found to be more intrusive and restrictive than supporters of rating systems and filtering software claim. These systems often exceed claims in types of content restricted, numbers and types of people prevented from reaching content, technical changes required to public electronic networks, and burdens on…

Presents a brief background on the information revolution. Discusses universal access and the National Information Infrastructure; the constrained view of Internet providers who oppose centralization, government regulation, limitation of individual rights, and commercialism; technology use in a democratic society; effectiveness of…

Considers how the role of information specialists is changing and evolving due to the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Topics include the impact of new technology, knowledge of information systems and databases, the emergence of new vendors, examples of unique Web sites, and economic factors. (LRW)

Discusses access to Internet resources in school libraries, including the importance of evaluating content and appropriate use. The following online services that provide current factual information from legitimate resources are described: SIRS (Social Issues Resource Series), InfoTrac, EBSCO Host, SearchBank, and the Electric Library. (MES)

With a decreasing federal presence, the public library must proactively develop its own presence in the National Information Infrastructure. This article examines current federal policy and new roles for libraries in ensuring connectivity, and offers recommendations for implementing both. Contains a summary of policy initiatives and strategies for…