Digital+Resources+and+the+Law


 * Web Sites for Librarians and Educators**

The use and creation of digital materials in the library and classroom requires librarians and educators to be knowledgeable about legal issus that were not considered on the past. For example, whereas intellectial freedom and censorship have been issues for librarians, a heightened level of concern over childern's access to unregulated information on the Web elevated these issues to a new level of importance due to pressure from parents. Legislators have responded tp pressure for protective measures for children by enacting laws and, in course, courts have reviewed, interpreted, and ruled on the validity of the legislation.

Copyright and fair use become "hot topics" with the introduction of thr Internet. Copyright materials is bnot an issue to be considered at the photocopier. Information on the Web, which is freely accessible, is not in fact, free for use in any manner the searcher desirs. In the virtual world, it is easy to overlook the author who has an investment in the product expressed in a particular form. An author's rights concerning others' use and alteration of the work accompany the precise form of expression.

The unregulated World Wide Web exposes students to inappropriate information. Acceptable Internet Use Policies enable librarians and educators to set forth in writing rules for use and access. Often it is a requirement that these policies be reviewed and signed by the student and the parent with the desired effect of providing noticeand securing a waiver of liability for the library or school.

The listed below offer overviews of the topic and provide links to other resouces

Education World Inc. www.educationworld.com/a_curr/

Web Issues in Education. www.unf.edu/~ccavanau/

Legal Information Institute. www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/

The Copyright Web Site. www.benedict.com/