This article explores the historical relationships between libraries, policy, and politics in the United States. Far too often, policy and political discussions related to libraries have little historical context. While libraries have long viewed themselves as a pillar of democracy by supporting informed, educated, and engaged citizenry, political…

Consideration of metaphors related to the Internet focuses on the information superhighway, virtual communities, and digital libraries. Highlights include the Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998; the Uniform Commercial Code; equality; privacy; communication; authorship; open software; information management; user fees; library collections; and…

Discusses technological change and intellectual property as it affects libraries and access to electronic information. Topics include the balance between copyright law and fair use; the Copyright Term Extension Act; the Digital Millennium Copyright Act; product versus service; databases with public access; and similarities with Napster. (LRW)