Users and producers of copyrighted materials are working to determine "fair use" guidelines, like those established in 1976 for printed materials, music, radio, and television programs, to govern access to online documents. Debate is over the need for and feasibility of extending compensation regulations to electronic materials. (MSE)

This special section presents two articles relating to accessing online systems. The first article discusses power availability for portable computers, including batteries and electrical outlets; the second describes two bulletin board systems that provide information about the Internet and its resources for librarians and patrons. (LRW)

Shows that the content and network communication among health-care professionals involved in an educational program using computer conferences were significantly related to occupational role, with physicians and hospital administrators afforded higher status in computer conferences than nurses. Finds that the effects of occupational status…

Describes the Z39.50 information protocol standard and how it will simplify the ability to acquire electronic information. The role of the Z39.50 standard in facilitating communication between computers, its significance to librarians, and the potential of the protocol are discussed. How the standard works is discussed in terms of client/server…

Examines the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the development of the National Information Infrastructure (NII). Highlights include the standards process; voluntary standards; Open Systems Interconnection problems; Internet Protocol Suite; consortia; government's role; and network security. (16 references) (LRW)

Describes the World-Wide Web (WWW), a network information resource based on hypertext. How to access WWW browsers through remote login (telnet) or though free browser software, such as Mosaic, is provided. Eight information sources that can be accessed through the WWW are listed. The address of a listserv reporting on Internet developments is…

Presents the preliminary report of the National Information Infrastructure's Task Force on Intellectual Property. Topics addressed include current copyright law; distribution rights; publication; first sale doctrine; technological protection; copyright management information; public performance right; fair use; licensing; international issues;…

Considers the future of children's books and reading in light of the increased use of the Internet. Misgivings about the Internet are discussed, centering around the unauthoritative nature of the information available. (LRW)

Describes the design, construction, and implementation of a statewide library Gopher for Virginia that was developed as an Internet navigation tool for users of the Virginia Library and Information Network (VLIN). Highlights include resources for Gopher developers, examples of menus, coverage of locally produced materials, and Virginia information…

As more school systems adopt site-based management, local decision makers need greater access to all kinds of information. Microcomputer-based networks can help with classroom management, scheduling, student program design, counselor recommendations, and financial reporting operations. Administrators are provided with planning tips and a sample…

Offers a detailed lesson plan for a computer-equipped writing class, featuring the Daedalus Interchange program and a set of goals and activities for teaching synthesis, generalization, and the value of multiple "voices." (SR)

Discusses policy decisions that led to the privatization and commercialization of NSFnet; explains the roles of IBM, MCI Communications, and ANS (Advanced Network and Service); and suggests the role that the federal government should take to ensure that the NREN (National Research and Education Network) addresses issues of public access and…

Examines the ways in which writing teachers present themselves in a virtual classroom--a computer networked first-year composition classroom. Discusses how the teachers' online presence relate to their off-line, "live" presence. Suggests that differences among teacher are more important than similarities. (RS)

Employs three approaches in a summative evaluation of ENFI (Electronic Networks for Interaction), a local area network used to teach writing through the use of software that supports real-time communication. Suggests that the ENFI setting allows a writing teacher to more easily model the creation of a writing persona. (RS)

Describes a transaction log analysis of the New York Public Library research libraries' OPAC (online public access catalog). Much of the remote searching occurred when the libraries were closed and was more evenly distributed than internal searching, demonstrating that remote searching could expand access and reduce peak system loads. (Contains…