This paper discusses the legal obligations owed by librarians to the users of their facilities, focusing on the viewing of pornography on the Internet in the public library. The meanings commonly ascribed to the word censorship are presented. Australian federal law that governs the classification of films, videos, computer games, and publications…

Committed to utilizing information technology, the Westchester Library System (New York) made the World Wide Web publicly accessible. Describes the planning, implementation, and management process; obstacles involving financing; establishing Internet connectivity; and vendor negotiations. Westchester hired a Web manager, created Internet use…

This document is the final report of the NCLIS (National Commission on Libraries and Information Science) study on public libraries and the Internet. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature, extent, and form of public library involvement with the Internet. Data were obtained from a survey of a national sample of public libraries…

This book examines technical, social, and management issues related to librarians and cyberspace. The following chapters and articles are included: (1) "The Cybrarian's Tool Kit," including "Internet News and Website Reviews" (M. Sylvia), "Searching the Future" (J. Powell), "Netiquette, Hoaxes, and Scams! Oh…

Provides advice for making school Internet-use guidelines. Outlines responsible proactive use of the Internet for educators and librarians, discusses strengths and weaknesses of Internet blocking software and rating systems, and describes acceptable-use policies (AUP). Lists resources for creating your own AUP, Internet filtering software, and…

Presents steps for creating copyright policies: appoint an officer; arrange access to a lawyer; understand copyright principles; know how copyright applies to Internet and CD-ROMs; understand permissions procedures; collect reference materials; use Internet information; understand international law; stay updated; attend seminars; educate others;…

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…

This paper is drawn from an empirical, ethnographic study of information and communications technologies (ICT) use among thirteen, low-income twelfth-graders attending a large urban high school and focuses on participants' ICT access in the school library. It examines how library staff members' cultural and gendered perceptions shaped ICT…

First sale and fair use are two copyright principles of use in academic libraries that need to be reexamined in an information age offering possibilities of universal access and perfect distribution in the electronic document. Library services that are perhaps most affected by these concerns are in provision of electronic reserves and collections.…

Presents a strategy for completing a library media center policy review, from evaluating existing policies through submitting policies to the school board for approval. Special attention is paid to issues related to the use of new technologies in middle and high school library media centers, including student/faculty technology use, circulation,…

Discusses important considerations for library media specialists creating a virtual-resources-collection policy, including selecting the right resources, navigating licensing fees, and free, searchable online sources. A sidebar lists resources for evaluating Web sites and places that lead to recommended sites for students. (AEF)

Discusses the library media program for the Duneland (Indiana) school district, two-time winner of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Library Media Program of the year Award, 1973 and 1993. Highlights personnel, staff development, budgets, student access, library collections, technology, Internet and filtering policies,…

Intended to be a practical guide to the issues that arise under the First Amendment for libraries that provide public access to the Internet, this book contains the following chapters: (1) "Questions and Answers about the First Amendment: Sex, Lies, and Cyberspace"; (2) "Basic First Amendment Principles and Their Application to…

The September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States have contributed greatly to a change in the information environment around the world. The weeks following the attacks saw governments around the world rush to pass legislation designed to prevent future acts of terrorism. Much of this legislation targeted information flow, especially on the…

Considers policy formation for libraries providing Internet access to users. Topics include budget issues; staffing, including training; patron use, including time limits, downloading, and printing; library service and programs; legal issues, including intellectual freedom, copyright, and institutional liability; and sample policies available on…