Briefly defines the concept of copyright, discusses the role of the National Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works (CONTU) in studying the problems associated with copyrights and computer software, reviews the work undertaken by CONTU, and summarizes the changes in the Copyright Act of 1976 recommended by CONTU. (JL)

Discusses the identification of copyright ownership where there may not be a formal notice of copyright in the traditional print sense. Compilations of information on CD-ROMs and other optical media are addressed, the formation of standards by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) is described, and relevant legal decisions are…

Because of information law's inability to keep up with rapid changes in information technology and impreciseness of the law, copyrighting of databases poses unique problems. Interpretation of fair use doctrine, privately owned computer "downloading," impact of federal electronic filing, and questions concerning information businesses…

Discusses the 1976 copyright law with respect to its impact on videotex technology and addresses the problems of copyright for collections of data, exclusive rights of copyright holders, notice and deposit, and regulation. Three related court decisions are also examined. (Author/JJD)

Migrating from a traditional to a relational database technology requires more than traditional project management techniques. An overview of what to consider before migrating to relational database technology is presented. Leadership, staffing, vendor support, hardware, software, and application development are discussed. (MLW)

Discusses Dialog Information Service's lawsuit against the American Chemical Society (ACS) over online searching capabilities. Antitrust law is discussed, fair competition issues are raised, the user's point of view is considered, possible outcome scenarios are suggested, and a sidebar summarizes claims and counterclaims by Dialog, ACS, and…

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)

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…

The purpose of the bill (S. 343), as reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is to establish a federal commitment to the advancement of high-performance computing, improve interagency planning and coordination of federal high-performance computing and networking activities, authorize a national high-speed computer…

Two articles explore the category of "sensitive but unclassified" information that is being used by the federal government. The policy directive which defined this category and its application by government departments are described, and concerns about freedom of information are discussed. (CLB)

This report of a hearing begins with an opening statement by Senator J. Bennett Johnston, Chairman of the Committee, and prepared statements from Committee members Larry E. Craig and Pete V. Domenici. The text of the bill, which provides for continued U.S. leadership in high-performance computing, is then presented, followed by additional…

Describes a number of initiatives by the U.S. national security community that might restrict or monitor public access to sensitive but unclassified information. The current status of the initiatives, and their possible impact on freedom of information in a democratic society are discussed. (27 references) (Author/CLB)

It is not legally permissible for depository libraries to impose user fees upon library patrons who want government information which is available in electronic format. Publishing federal agency is responsible for costs of furnishing access to the database, and Government Printing Office is obligated to pay the costs of conveying that information…

A well-designed database, carefully defined procedures, and consultation with legal counsel can greatly reduce the prospect of costly litigation associated with retrenchment. Tenure contracts, case law on financial exigency, due process, and liability are discussed. (Author/LB)

An open forum was held to let concerned parties comment on the report, "Provision of Federal Government Publications in Electronic Format to Depository Libraries," and to solicit suggestions for possible pilot projects that could test the feasibility of the proposal. More than 150 agency representatives, congressional staffers,…