Discusses topics related to OCLC adoption of guidelines for the use and transfer of OCLC-derived records, including the purpose of OCLC; the legal basis of copyrighting; technological change; compilation copyright; rationale for copyright of the OCLC database; impact on libraries; impact on networks; and relationships between OCLC and libraries. A…

Discusses issues relating to intellectual property rights that are being affected by information technologies. A 1986 study by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) is discussed; intellectual property law is described, including copyright, patents, and trade secrets; and the involvement of the university community in considering intellectual…

The increased use of computer matching to detect fraud and abuse in government programs has led to concerns for the privacy of personal information. Reviews the use of matching programs and regulations in Canada, the United States, and the European Community, and suggests policy changes. (80 references) (LAE)

Reprints part of the draft guidelines on electronic data dissemination issued by the Department of Commerce. Issues addressed in the guidelines include the decision to disseminate; the use of electronic technology; private sector involvement; user fees; and the development of performance standards. (CLB)

Reviews the history of classified information regulation during recent administrations and describes the Poindexter memorandum, which addresses the electronic storage and transmission of sensitive, but unclassified information. The discussion covers the reaction of the Special Libraries Association to the memorandum, and the need to balance…

Discusses issues that deal with the interface of copyright law and online systems. Areas of change needed to maintain the balance between users and creators of electronic information are identified, limits of the Copyright Act are explored, and it is suggested that existing copyright law can be applied to electronic information. (four references)…

Discusses the importance of the next article in this issue, which deals with the acceptance of electronic or optical forms of data as evidence during litigation. The collection and storage of data in new formats is described, and the need for technological knowledge for attorneys acting as general counsel to agencies is discussed. (LRW)

Presents guidelines prepared by Department of Justice Management Division staff to provide an understanding of the rules of evidence as they apply to electronically filed records and ensure that appropriate agency procedures are instituted in creating and maintaining such records. Hearsay, authentication, and the laying of a proper foundation are…

Discusses technological developments in information distribution and management in relation to concepts of ownership. A historical overview of the concept of copyright is presented; licensing elements for databases are examined; and implications for gateway systems are explored, including ownership, identification of users, and allowable uses of…

Examines public agency attempts to disseminate information in ways that satisfy constituencies, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the private sector. The Securities and Exchange Commission's release of EDGAR, the Patent and Trademark Office's recent lawsuit, and Department of Defense problems with Fedlog are cited. Statements and policy…

Summarizes testimony given by the Special Libraries Association (SLA) to the House Subcommittee on Government Information, Justice and Agriculture addressing federal government information dissemination policies and practices. Recommendations made by the SLA are discussed and the climate within Congress regarding information policies is examined.…

Reviews proposed legislation of the 101st Congress and discusses other factors that contribute to the national information policy. Highlights include federal information sources in electronic format; the Paperwork Reduction Act; legislation for the development of a National Research and Education Network (NREN); and the role of the Government…

Presents the transcript of an interview with the newly appointed Superintendent of Documents, Wayne Kelley, Jr. Topics addressed include the Government Printing Office's plans for future production and distribution of governmental information; the role of federal depository libraries; and the changing information environment in light of electronic…

Discusses legal issues involved in developing and distributing multimedia publications. Examines libel; rights of publicity; and such elements of copyright law as copyright protections and infringements, fair use and public domain policies, and use of ideas and factual materials. Uses a hypothetical multimedia project to illustrate the legal rules…

Discusses the origins, legislative basis, content, and impact of a policy directive which prescribes a general framework for developing uniform and consistent federal information resources management policies. (Author/CLB)