Multicasting is a necessity for a broadband metro-area-network; however security problems exist with current multicast protocols. A stateful multicast access control mechanism, based on MAPE, is proposed. The architecture of MAPE is discussed, as well as the states maintained and messages exchanged. The scheme is flexible and scalable. (Author/AEF)

Presents a preliminary report on a survey of the American Library Association accredited schools of library and information science to determine the extent to which courses dealing with the economics of information are taught. The elements of a model syllabus for an economics of information course are presented. (Author/LRW)

Provides an overview of government publishing that focuses on the United States national government. Documents the shift from paper to electronic publication and discusses implications. Highlights include public availability and access, propaganda, policy, workshops on information dissemination, preservation of electronic resources, and the…

The Supreme Court's decision in "Reno," striking down major portions of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, pits the need to protect children from inappropriate material against the need to maintain free Internet access by adults. Highlights major points in the holding and discusses the meaning of "Reno" for educators. (MLF)

Explains libraries' roles in protecting intellectual freedom. Outlines these faulty impressions: librarians endorse the content of their collections; "everyone" agrees on controversial material; representation of all viewpoints means equal numbers; and denial of reconsideration requests indicates librarians don't take challenges seriously.…

Examines the growing demand for e-mail reference (Aska) service and how librarians can best manage an electronic help desk. Discusses problems of minimal information and anonymous patrons, followed by views on restricting/not restricting access to the service. Suggests ways to try to screen requests and specify a clientele. Notes the importance of…

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.…

Provides an overview of information policy, including its importance, its key instruments, and its complexity. Information policy issues that may create new roles for libraries include the ramifications of the public's right to information, the organization and retrieval of electronically networked information, information literacy training,…

Assesses the current polices and practices of 202 scholarly print journals of various disciplines on considering manuscripts for publication that were previously published in electronic form. Findings suggest how the Internet and World Wide Web are currently affecting manuscript consideration policies of scholarly journals. (Author/AEF)

Suggests that current conditions are nearly ideal for the effective meta-assessment of online reference services (ORS), in part because expected patterns and modes of service have not yet been established for emerging and evolving online environments, and in part because the distance between theory and practice regarding reference service in…

The review and negotiation of license agreements has become a time-consuming but necessary part of the job of providing access to the electronic information resources required by libraries' patrons. The nature of these agreements may pose a number of barriers to the development of fully integrated collections. This article presents a fictitious…

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 article examines what is implied by the term "trusted" in the phrase "trusted digital repositories." Digital repositories should be able to preserve electronic materials for periods at least comparable to existing preservation methods. Our collective lack of experience with preserving digital objects and consensus about the reliability of our…

These nine papers address issues in information management and information technology in higher education from a European perspective. Papers focus on information management in the context of institutional management and administration. The chapters are: (1) "General Introduction" (Edgar Frackman); (2) "From Computing Strategy to…

The purpose of this pamphlet is to clarify the issues pertaining to ownership of research data. It examines legal issues on data management for colleges and universities and suggests ways to better articulate statements regarding data management and ownership. It urges universities, research sponsors, and other pertinent groups to develop policies…