This report focuses on the pivotal technical issues associated with the National Information Infrastructure program, security and privacy, interoperability, and reliability, and presents the General Accounting Office's findings on these challenges. It is reported that while the structures and services to be offered by the information superhighway…

Discusses the professional liability of medical librarians and their employers in the delivery of information to physicians. Steps for librarians to take to protect themselves from professional liability and to insulate physicians and institutions from vicarious liability are suggested. (12 references) (MES)

This report examines the present fiscal condition and changing nature of the system of public libraries in Massachusetts. Despite the impact of budget cuts on operating hours and staffing, the demand for library services has increased concomitantly with the information needs of individuals, professionals, and businesses. Many of the municipal…

Discusses issues that deal with the interface of copyright law and online systems. Areas of change needed to maintain the balance between users and creators of electronic information are identified, limits of the Copyright Act are explored, and it is suggested that existing copyright law can be applied to electronic information. (four references)…

Discusses Dialog Information Service's lawsuit against the American Chemical Society (ACS) over online searching capabilities. Antitrust law is discussed, fair competition issues are raised, the user's point of view is considered, possible outcome scenarios are suggested, and a sidebar summarizes claims and counterclaims by Dialog, ACS, and…

Discusses technological developments in information distribution and management in relation to concepts of ownership. A historical overview of the concept of copyright is presented; licensing elements for databases are examined; and implications for gateway systems are explored, including ownership, identification of users, and allowable uses of…

Presents a formerly homeless man's account of his experiences in the Boston Public Library. The Kreimer v. Morristown case is briefly discussed; the author's use of the library while he was homeless is described, including patron reactions; and the employed author's reactions to a homeless patron are related. (LRW)

Describes the current status of libraries in secondary schools in Greece. The Greek educational system is explained; school library legislation is discussed as it relates to users, professional and nonprofessional staff, funding, and book selection; and recommendations for the improvement of school libraries are suggested. (12 references) (LRW)

Discusses the interpretation of copyright law that affects libraries and media centers that provide videotapes to patrons. Topics discussed include the concept of fair use; conditions that permit copyrighted materials to be used in the classroom; patron's use of copyrighted videotapes within the library; and licensing and duplication rights. (LRW)

The Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, Committee on the Judiciary met, pursuant to call, at 2:15 p.m., in Room 2141, Rayburn House Office Building, to review the consumer benefits of today's digital rights management (DRM) solutions. The Honorable Howard Coble, a Representative in Congress from North Carolina and…

Discussion of the present deterioration in public services focuses on indigent and homeless library patrons and the Kreimer v. Morristown litigation. Issues of access and intellectual freedom are addressed, First Amendment rights are discussed, and implications of this case for libraries' roles as public forums are examined. (five references) (LRW)

This hearing was held to address two bills designed to protect the privacy of users of video and library services, H.R. 4947 and S. 2361. The report opens with the full text of both bills and opening statements made by Representative Robert W. Kastenmeier, Senator Patrick J. Leahy, and Representative Carlos J. Moorhead. Testimony and prepared…

This discussion of impending revisions to the Canadian Copyright Act focuses on the need for inclusion of a fair dealing provision in any revisions, defined either through legislation or the courts, and for the use of a random sampling of photocopying in libraries to establish blanket reprography fees. (Author/CLB)

Overview of the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services covers the conference setting, speakers, activities, and recommendations. Discussion of selected recommendations adopted focuses on library services to youth, the President's America 2000 plan, the National Research and Education Network, and other areas that affect…

Addresses copyright issues related to paper and electronic copying and describes how AT&T Bell Laboratories has developed policies to manage copyright compliance. Copyright law is discussed, examples of legal suits are given, the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) is explained, and procedures to encourage compliance by end users and suppliers…