Discusses copyright laws applied to computer software for professors, students, and institutions. Concepts including infringement, contributory infringement, first sale doctrine, and licenses are considered. A sample university policy statement to avoid liability is presented. (YP)

Considers the availability of pornography, particularly child pornography, on the Internet and child access to it. Defines pornographic material and child pornography, discusses its commercial and noncommercial uses and the responsibility for child access, and presents solutions: content tagging; CyberAngels, a volunteer group created by the…

Discusses objections in the library community to the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA), a legal framework being considered by state governments regarding computer information, transactions, and software. Topics include copyright issues; user needs for access to information; license agreements; and costs that may prevent…

Addresses several differences between computer software and books that affect copyright-related issues. Discussion covers durability of the physical medium, dilemma of backup copies, software licensing agreements, integrity of honest customers, and policy suggestions for libraries that have or are considering microcomputer labs and are concerned…

Discusses copyright problems that arose when Texas A&M University Library installed microcomputers dedicated to computer-assisted instruction and research-related use. Highlights include microcomputer software questions, protection under copyright law, fair use, computers and copyrights, contracts and agreements, archival copies, vendor…

The events associated with the demise of a software firm (AXXESS, Inc.), which supplied a software package to higher education institutions are reviewed. Attention is directed to what was learned that might be of assistance to other colleges using or considering third party software. Some of the topics include: particular crises, legal…

Discusses the issues faced by community college libraries when they add copyrighted microcomputer software to their circulating collections. Analyzes three possible responses: educating users about copyright requirements, encouraging user compliance with copyright law, and limiting the liability of the college and library for user violations. (DMM)

Software piracy among college students is increasing, and the software publishing industry insists colleges are responsible for the activities of their computer nets' users. Colleges generally cooperate with publishers when their students are found infringing on copyrights. The Software Publishers Association is holding a University of Puget Sound…

Discussion of hypertext and hypermedia focuses on its use in the production of interactive and distributed documents. Topics include the World Wide Web; HTML (Hypertext Markup Language); client interfaces; gateways to other computer network protocols; and future considerations, including cultural and linguistic problems, software, legal and…

Chaska High School (Minnesota) established a firm district policy to prevent unauthorized, illegal duplication of computer software by teachers and students. The policy's success depends on an ethics re-education program for users, increased funding for software, and a preview library for teachers. (MLH)

Summarizes recent developments in copyright law, with a focus on their consequences for users in colleges, universities, and libraries. Highlights include the concept of fair use; library reproduction rights; recent court cases and legislation; and future copyright concerns, including fair use of computer software and electronic text, and license…

Presents eight scenarios that involve copyright issues in media centers. Topics addressed include copying legally and illegally made videotapes; adding off-air tapes to the collection; storing illegally made computer programs; making archival copies of software; supervising student bulletin board systems; possible legal actions; and student…