Reviews the economic theory of property rights and explores four applications of the transaction cost theory of property rights and free distribution in the economics of information: (1) copying technology; (2) computer software and copy protection; (3) satellite television and encryption; and (4) public libraries. (56 references) (MES)

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada's comments on proposed changes in Canadian copyright law, and further changes implied by or caused by those revisions, are presented. The association argues first that since the proposed revisions are being revealed in stages, legislative committee work should be suspended until all of the…

Under current federal copyright law (17 U.S.C. 105), federal agencies cannot copyright and license their computer software. Officials at the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Institutes of Health state that a significant…

This book provides librarians, researchers, and teachers with a comprehensive guide to technology and copyright issues, and is written for non-lawyers. Part 1 summarizes the historical and legal background and looks at future trends, including the probable effects of recommendations from the National Information Infrastructure report. Part 2…

A series of changes in intellectual property law over the last 30 years has made it more difficult for researchers, scientists, authors, and artists to cooperate and collaborate on critically important projects. At the same time, the advance of communications technologies, specifically the Internet, promises to foster an explosion in creativity,…

To protect their copyrights, electronic publishers and document delivery providers track usage and personal information which threatens library users' privacy and rights to intellectual freedom and access to information. Suggests using data encryption software as a solution. Recommends librarians advocate a competitive marketplace by working for…

Outlines 10 basic principles for managing intellectual property in a digital environment. Expands upon each principle and provides specific examples of how and where these principles might be applied. Briefly discusses the history of electronic documentation, recent changes, and how these impact on the world of scholarly communication. (MJP)

The development of digital content raises new issues as rapid technological developments challenge existing business models and government policies. This OECD study identifies and discusses six groups of business and public policy issues and illustrates these with existing and potential OECD Digital Content Strategies and Policies: (1) Innovation…