While initially it seems that libraries would have no interest in a case involving a big-box company and a luxury watch manufacturer, the outcome of "Costco v. Omega" will have important implications for libraries' ability to lend the foreign-printed, imported materials in their collections that were lawfully acquired.

Self-censorship, not to be confused with actual censorship, is the most complicated, but least understood form of censorship. In most cases of actual censorship, objections to a book are based on offensive language, sexual content, or unsuitability by age, and a complaint is filed to suppress the book. Often an internal review is undertaken, and a…

This book contains valid, real-world copyright questions posed by real-life educators--all answered by a knowledgeable and experienced school attorney. Poor economic conditions have driven publishers to be more aggressive with pursuing improper use of their copyrighted materials. At the same time, new technologies are complicating old copyright…

Because so much information exists only in video format--from documentaries to instructional videos to entertainment films that create a significant amount of the popular culture--libraries have increased their collections of these materials. Nevertheless, no library could possibly afford to collect every item its patrons might one day request.…

Discusses several topics central to the evolution/creationism dispute: (1) Darwin's ideas and influence; (2) rise of fundamentalism in America; (3) what fundamentalists think about evolution today; (4) effects of attacks on evolution in the public schools; (5) what creationism is; (6) creationist objections to evolution; and (7) court battles.…

Discusses recent changes in Supreme Court interpretation of the First Amendment with regard to public school students, and reviews a 1988 case, Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, which decided in favor of the principals' right to censor written or spoken student communication. (MES)

Uses of the Freedom of Information Act are explained by describing previous court cases. The scope of information, including classified information, is detailed and procedural steps for filing requests are outlined. A recent Supreme Court case which may make access to classified information more difficult is discussed. (EM)

This review of sections of copyright laws most relevant to media librarians covers requirements of authors, sole rights of copyright owners, fair use and other exceptions to sole rights, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) case, the Sony case, exempt public performances, and computer software. Twenty-nine references are provided.…

When dealing with First Amendment free speech issues in the context of public libraries, courts have merely cited the supposition that constitutional public forum analysis leads to the conclusion that the public library is a limited public forum for the purposes of First Amendment analysis. By focusing narrowly on the issue of whether Internet…

Designed to provide insight into both the philosophical and emotional dimensions of community conflicts over students' exposure to ideas, this report summarizes 4 current court cases and 16 previous decisions in cases involving the banning of books, magazines, and films from public schools. Some details of two recent cases are provided to…

Developed to help library media personnel, administrators, and educators understand and work with the copyright law as it applies to videotape and microcomputer software, this handbook provides: (1) an overview of copyright, including rights granted to copyright holders and libraries and court interpretation of the copyright law; (2) suggestions…

What is the state of intellectual freedom and libraries in the early twenty-first-century digital environment? This question is addressed largely in relation to public and school libraries, where more than 90 percent of documented challenges exist and at which most legislative and judicial actions relevant to intellectual freedom and libraries are…

In the 1950s, the State of Florida led the way in developing a national model for the development of the junior or community college system. The "Brown vs Board of Education" Supreme Court Decision impacted the segregated system and during the 1960s, Florida's 12 black junior colleges were merged with pre-existent majority campuses. This…

Identifies significant issues raised by cases involving censorship efforts in junior and senior high school libraries and examines manner in which they have been resolved by judicial opinion. Discussion covers academic freedom for library professionals, students' right of access to library holdings, and shelf-tenure concept for library materials.…

Documentation of the spread of censorship is extensive, and although challenges to films and videocassettes have not figured prominently in the literature, in the future there may be more emphasis on these media than on print material. On the state level, increasing censorship of films and videocassettes has occurred in North Carolina, California,…