The ebook ecosystem has experienced many changes recently--having both positive and negative effects for the school library. On the positive side, many publishers have stopped seeing ebooks as the coming of the Apocalypse; instead, they are seeing that the publishing business survives and, indeed, flourishes. The different actors in this arena are…

The purpose of traditional copyright law was to encourage the creation of works based on and to ensure reasonable access to original thought. Despite this harmonious intent, an intrinsic tension exists between libraries and copyright holders, as the former promotes "free" access to information that ultimately reduces the income of the…

In the most effective schools, the potential for positive impact of the school library media center and the library media specialist is recognized, and teachers and media specialists work together routinely to support teaching and learning. This "Informed Educator" examines both the elements of an effective school library media center and the…

Reports on the American Library Association's 1992 Midwinter Meeting. Topics discussed include the Kreimer v. Morristown case and its possible ramifications for other libraries dealing with homeless and other problem patrons; the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS); National Research and Education Network (NREN);…

Discussion of library Internet access and filtering focuses on a survey of Ohio public libraries that showed 17% of libraries are using filters to restrict access. Legal actions, Internet use policies, alternatives to filtering, complaints from the public, and recent court cases are examined. (LRW)

Based on online searching experiences on microcomputer at a small liberal arts college, this article outlines for the novice advantages and disadvantages of micro-searching, legal implications, future trends, and factors to consider in selecting hardware and software. A 16-item bibliography arranged in order of usefulness and 10 references are…

Discusses the concept of Earth's Largest Library (ELL), a mega-virtual library based on the Amazon.com model. Topics include who will be included; privacy; censorship; scope of the collection; costs; legal aspects; collection development; personnel management; access; the concept of community; public service; lending policies; technical…

Explains federal standards that libraries can use to make Web sites accessible to users with disabilities. Describes Section 508 standards from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; types of disabilities to consider, including vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive impairments, and seizure disorders; graphics; and conflicting interpretations of the law.…

Many activities that take place in the library, including circulation and interlibrary loan and reserve requests, result in the creation of records linking clients to specific kinds of information. Several groups, including law enforcement officials, have attempted on various occasions to gain access to these records. This research paper provides…

This set of papers presented to the Collections and Services Division of the International Federation of Library Associations at its 47th annual conference (1981) includes: "Planning Interlending Systems in Developing Countries," by Maurice B. Line; "Problems of Centralisation of Inter-Library Lending in a De-Centralized Library…