Library service has become a concern of government at all levels with each having its specific role to play. This introductory statement to this issue of Library Trends" indicates the major substantive areas of library legislation. (Author/NH)

Presents arguments for the application of the interstate compact concept to coordination of library services. (PF)

Good library legislation for public libraries is broad and general, flexible, permissive, specific in the authority for tax support but not with limitations, clear, conceise and stable. Library laws of Hawaii, California and Illinois can serve as models for the other states. (NH)

Recent laws and regulations which affect the operation of federal libraries and which have not been previously reported are summarized. (Author/NH)

The framework of the publishing industry is distorted since a substantial part is government owned, yet there is no coherent policy for the industry and publishing associations provide no leadership. (Author/MBR)

Briefly reviews historical development of mental health and the law as a multidisciplinary field and considers variety of information seekers addressing certain topics of special importance. Pertinent information sources and services are outlined. Fifteen references and a recommended core library for fellowship programs in forensic psychiatry are…

A general overview is presented of this issue focusing on institution libraries. Articles are concerned with users of libraries, institutional environments, historical changes, the varying needs of adults and children, library materials, public library cooperation, and education programs for institution librarians. Correctional facilities are…

Summarizes historical development of product liability laws which allow an injured party to seek to recover damages for personal injury or loss of property allegedly resulting from defective product and reviews activities of Triodyne Inc. in gathering evidence to be used in product liability lawsuits. Sixteen references are cited. (EJS)

Explores five issues related to technology's impact on privacy and access to information--regulation and licensing of the press, electronic surveillance, invasion of privacy, copyright, and policy-making and regulation. The importance of First Amendment rights and civil liberties in forming a coherent national information policy is stressed.…

The first of two articles on privacy considers its development in U.S. tort law and its social and ethical aspects in the context of changing technology. The second, by Linowes and Bennett, examines the role of data-protection as a policy problem using the concepts and approaches of political science. (Author/EM)

The first of two articles is an overview of the contexts in which secrecy is applied to business information as a matter of public policy. The second covers restrictions on dissemination of scientific and technical information including statutory and administrative mechanisms for its control, and implications of the current system. (Author/EM)