Discusses several legal issues involving the use of educational technology: Freedom of speech, regulation of Internet material harmful to minors, student-developed Web pages, harassment and hostile work environment, staff and student privacy, special education, plagiarism, and copyright issues. Includes recommendations for addressing technology…

Florida's Joint Committee on Information Technology Resources analyzed the impact of technology on the Florida Public Records Law and proposed legislation requiring agencies to consider issues such as encouraging a diversity of sources, the public's right to access, prohibiting monopoly control, and access fees in the development of information…

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)

These proposed standards prepared by the CD-ROM Ad Hoc Advisory Committee (the "High Sierra Group") specify the volume and file structure of compact read-only optical discs (CD-ROM) for the interchange of information between users of information processing systems. (Author/LRW)

It is proposed that the patent law be revised to imitate the copyright law with regard to definition of subject matter for patent. This would accommodate new classes of subject matter not foreseen at the time of the law's passage, such as microorganisms. Available at 1303 San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77002; $5.83. (MSE)

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)…

Summarizes a complex case involving a reopened Minnesota elementary school serving children of the Brethren, a religious group that had earlier bought the school. Although no religious instruction occurred there, two taxpayers successfully sued the district. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed this decision, noting the secular nature of…

As knowledge has become the central economic resource of the post-industrial society, it is essential that government should be the catalyst for discussion and resolution of issues surrounding information technologies. The establishment of an Institute for Information Policy and Research is advocated. (MLW)

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…