The openness of the Internet has greatly facilitated scholarly communication and led to creative developments in many fields. The Internet has been called the most democratic of media. In many countries, one does not need permission to post a new Web page. Public domain information flows freely and is widely accessible on an impartial basis to…

Anytime, anywhere, learning provides opportunities to create digital learning environments for new teaching styles and personalized learning. As part of making sure the program is effective, the safety and security of students and assets are essential--and mandated by law. The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) addresses Internet content…

Describes some of the most useful gateways that can be used to access state and local government information on the Internet, including StateSearch, Council of State Governments, U.S. House of Representatives Internet Law Library, LC MARVEL, CityNet, California Home Page, and New York State Library Gopher. (LRW)

Explores several issues involving provisions of the Australian copyright law that allow for "fair dealing for the purpose of research and study" in the use of copyrighted materials. Discusses liability of libraries for improper oversight of illegal photocopying of books and other copyrighted materials. Reviews recent efforts to improve…

The enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 contains a number of provisions that clearly affect community college and university use of telecommunications and information services. The Telecommunications Act expands the concept of universal service, or the idea that all Americans should have access to basic telephone service; requires…

With the 1996 defeat of the Communications Decency Act, under which providing offensive material on computer systems accessible to children would have become a felony, no legal guidelines exist for library use of the Internet. Libraries can avoid becoming the center of an Internet controversy by encouraging parental involvement; by protecting…

This document consists of the first three issues of a new newsletter concerning people who are deaf-blind. Issues present substantive articles, news on technical assistance in various areas, book reviews, and conference information. The following articles are included: (1) "Rationale for Editorial Policy on Terminology" (John W. Reiman),…