Public bodies hold a range of information and content ranging from demographic, economic and meteorological data to art works, historical documents and books. Given the availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) public sector information can play an important role in producing innovative value-added services and goods.…

This paper addresses the difficult issues of balancing faculty and university rights and responsibilities regarding courseware and courseware modules developed as both commissioned and non-commissioned works. The ways in which this debate affects those who are engaged in building their own online courses for their universities, courseware…

Offers steps information professionals can take to avoid liability and malpractice suits by dissatisfied clients. Discusses the need to prepare the client for the search results and the importance of putting everything writing. Describes protective steps to take before and after the search, adding a copyright statement, and when to disclaim.…

Discusses findings of PUBLAW2, a European Commission follow-up study on the impact of its "Guidelines for Improving the Synergy between the Public and Private Sectors in the Information Market." Highlights include the study context; the impact of the guidelines; and issues of privacy and data protection, copyright and ownership,…

Discusses the significance for libraries of privacy concerns involved with geographic information system (GIS) technology. Argues that librarians need to be aware of federal and state efforts to address privacy issues and monitor developments in government information policy. (AEF)

Tasked with educating tomorrow's workforce, colleges and institutes maintain an active and dynamic interest in ensuring that all curricula respond to the needs of the marketplace, chosen careers and Canadian innovation and economic growth models. To meet these challenges, the materials selected for training purposes must be relevant, challenging…

This report gives an overview of the past and present domestic and international legal framework for database protection. It describes database industry practices in securing protection against unauthorized use and Copyright Office registration practices relating to databases. Finally, it discusses issues raised and concerns expressed in a series…

A series of changes in intellectual property law over the last 30 years has made it more difficult for researchers, scientists, authors, and artists to cooperate and collaborate on critically important projects. At the same time, the advance of communications technologies, specifically the Internet, promises to foster an explosion in creativity,…

Provides guidelines for the development of campus computer policies, focusing on legal issues related to adult material, harassment, privacy, commerce, and copyright. Notes that computer use policies and practices need to evolve in concert with the changing computer culture. (MDM)

Argues that community colleges must address four major issues regarding intellectual property and the development of Internet course materials: copyright, fair use, duplication and revenue generation for print and nonprint educational materials. Suggests that intellectual property issues be viewed as a continuum from low to high levels of risk.…

Addresses questions of intellectual property rights when faculty, staff, or students at higher education institutions place material on the Internet, noting that educational institutions frequently lack the necessary permission or own rights for such online usage. Suggests that institutions audit materials before putting them online and develop…

The issue of who owns courseware is of great concern to faculty and universities. Until recently, when technology entered the picture, the issue was straightforward: faculty typically held copyright with everything except patents. One of the most interesting and complex issues of intellectual property in the digital environment is faculty…

The International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) announced that Dutch scientific and German special libraries adopted electronic licensing guidelines. Emphasizes consortia and the need for libraries to stick together. Discusses general principles; access and use; storage, formats and integration; services and costs; information and use;…

Lists items on government information published or indexed from November 1993-April 1994, including materials on U.S. government information policy, publications, and resources; foreign, international, and intergovernmental government information policy and resources; government archives (worldwide); state and local publications and resources;…

The increasing popularity of digital information has brought great convenience to library patrons. It has, however, posed challenges to libraries in achieving their major missions, i.e., preservation and dissemination of information. The underlying reasons for this phenomenon are dichotomous: the restrictions imposed by electronic information…