In the United States, political polarization has increased markedly since 2000, with consequences for local governments and state-level policymaking. Redistricting, and the role of social media as the dominant source of information for many in the U.S. has contributed to state and national legislatures that reflect more extreme political views. A…

A decade ago, the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (the National Center) issued a policy brief, "State Capacity for Higher Education Policy." The National Center's core recommendation: States must have a broad-based, independent, credible public entity with a clear charge to increase the state's educational…

Examines the Commission of the European Communities' draft directive on database copyright. Components of the directive are discussed, including a definition of a database, databases protected as literary works under copyright law, piracy protection, fair use, and licensing requirements; and problems with the directive are described. (four…

Describes a planned session that addressed information policies in the global community that impact information professionals and users worldwide. Highlights include case studies, the European Union's Database Directive on anti-piracy, empowerment of disadvantaged communities, and the development of information policy in Israel. Presentations…

An overview of responses from a number of higher education associations (ACE, EDUCOM and NASULGC, and Cornell University) to the controversial issues that have arisen from the 1988 Internet "worm" are presented. Preliminary results from a CAUSE survey of higher education institutions are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Examines the role of self-regulation in the establishment of an informational privacy policy. Discusses information technologies and changes in commerce; personal information in databases; demands for accountability; institutional and enforcement models; legislation; government failures; self-regulation and the individual; and potential problems…

Describes the information policy framework prescribed by OMB Circular No. A-130, which introduces the distinction between access to information and information dissemination. The discussion covers the use of electronic collection and dissemination of government information, together with the need to safeguard privacy and public access to…

One of the areas most often neglected by those responsible for information systems in colleges and universities relates to ownership, privacy, confidentiality, and security of data. Background information and definitions are provided, and a suggested environment is described. Model recommendations for institutional policy are offered. (MLW)

Describes collection evaluation tool available to Research Libraries Group (RLG) institutions which provides overview, arranged by subject, of existing collection strengths and future collecting intensities of RLG members. Antecedents of the tool and an online version are discussed. Seven references, definitions of collecting levels, and language…

Reviews past approaches to the preservation of Presidential papers, the development of the system of Presidential Libraries, and the development of the Jimmy Carter Library. The National Archives' approach to computerization to deal with the increasing volume of materials is detailed and the PresNet computerized information system is described.…

Discussion of the planned transformation of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) from a printer to a multimedia disseminator of information products and services considers the need for a governmentwide publishing policy; the underlying principles that define the GPO's role; and strategies for providing access to online data. (six references)…

Discusses molecular databases and the role that government and private companies play in their administration and development. Highlights include copyright and patent issues relating to public databases and the information contained in them; data quality; data structures and technological questions; the international organization of molecular…

Examines the evolution of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC). Presents an overview of the ERIC system. Discusses ERIC's historical development, including the three "signature strategies" at the core of its historical evolution; ERIC's redesign in 1986-87, and resultant policy emphases; current status; and eight…

Discussion of information management focuses on three main areas of activities and their interrelationship: (1) strategic, including establishing frameworks and principles of operations; (2) analytic, or research elements, including user needs assessment, data gathering, and data analysis; and (3) operational activities, including reference…

This conference report presents the discussions and recommendations of the 290 participants representing 76 nations who met at the first SPIN conference to exchange experiences in strategies and policies for the dissemination of information via networks based on the linking of computers with telecommunications, and to identify ways and means of…