Reviews problems with using blocking software to regulate children's access to areas of the Internet deemed inappropriate. Discusses how blocking software functions, and provides examples of types of consequences that can result. Points out an upcoming court case on the use of blocking software by public libraries and schools. (DSK)

Supports the use of filtering software by parents, schools, and libraries as a least restrictive alternative to criminal prosecution to restrict the availability of pornographic materials on the Internet. Argues that filtering programs work well and do not make most of the mistakes attributed to them by detractors. (DSK)

The information in this document is based on a study that Alberta Education commissioned on establishing technology systems that are responsive to the requirements of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP). This document provides an overview of key issues and suggested strategies in the following areas: (1)…

Explores the differences between information and referral agencies and online community networks from an information policy perspective. Analyzes which has control within the following six facets: agency ownership and governance, funding, information flow, access, ownership of information, and quality control. Confirms distinctive roles, and…

Includes six reports from national associations and organizations. Highlights include annual meetings; government affairs; copyright; administration; diversity; new technologies; international programs; scholarly communication; information policy; access to information; preservation; statistics and measurement; digital libraries; economics of…

Discusses the Government Printing Office (GPO) plan for the transition to an electronic Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) that, through a network of partnerships comprised of the GPO, the National Archives and Records Administration, federal agencies, and FDLP libraries, will increase public access to government information. (JAK)

This report is a written synthesis of opinions and observations on the role of emerging information technology in Finnish society. It surmises that such technology will benefit the educational system and increase research activity, thereby creating new channels of information access for the public, as long as national policymakers commit…

In October 2001, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act to strengthen the ability of the U.S. government to combat terrorism. Unfortunately, some sections of the Act strike at core values and practices of libraries and archives, especially in the areas of record keeping, privacy, confidentiality, security, and access to the collections. This article…

This manual is designed to help librarians anticipate and resist censorship of library materials, how to handle complaints, and how to write legislators effectively. Part I, "Library Bill of Rights," and Part II, "Protecting the Freedom to Read," present the text and historical development of the American Library Association's…

Canadians find it necessary to both define and defend their cultural identity partly because their historic, geographic, and political differences from the United States are frequently overshadowed by the many characteristics the two countries share: a continent, a very high standard of living, a language, and a popular culture as presented…

This report discusses selected issues regarding public library Internet connectivity, costs, and use. It discusses the implications of the "1997 Public Libraries and the Internet" study and presents policy recommendations related to the study's findings. This report suggests the importance of federal policy and library management in…

Current national trends regarding the availability and use of information and assessment resources in one-stop centers for employment and related social services were examined in a study of one-stop centers that were nominated for exemplary practice or for fully implementing their state's implementation plan. The sample of 39 consisted of 3…

This study provides suggestions and best practices for superintendents, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) coordinators and school information technologists in dealing with the impact of Alberta's FOIPP Act on the application of information technologies within their organizations. The study explores the relationship between…

This manual advises library administrators in the state of New York on the responsibilities of individual institutions regarding censorship, patron confidentiality, and other intellectual freedom issues. Besides listing organizations available for consultation, the manual recommends procedures and policies for dealing with law enforcement…

The report considers the interaction of trends in information technology and trends in research practices and the policy implications for archives. The information is divided into 4 sections. The first section, an "Overview of Information Technology Trends," discusses end-user computing, which includes ubiquitous computing, end-user…