Discusses privacy issues related to electronic libraries. Highlights include finding guidance and information on the Web, including the American Library Association, Center for Democracy and Technology, and the Electronic Privacy Information Center; legal responsibilities in maintaining privacy rights of patrons who access the Internet; and…

Discusses library policy and Internet access, highlighting (1) legal distinctions between books and the Internet; (2) ways to restrict access without violating First Amendment rights; (3) the library as a limited public forum rather than a traditional public forum; and (4) the library's governmental interest in protecting children. (PEN)

Examines liability issues and Internet use--specifically e-mail--that libraries should be aware of. Discusses confidentiality and employer review; how federal laws, statutory limitations, and Illinois State Constitution and statutes affect employer e-mail monitoring; invasion of privacy; and the Freedom of Information Act. Offers procedural and…

Suggests that a definitive court ruling is needed to better define rights and responsibilities related to the First Amendment and libraries' Internet use policies so that libraries can provide a comfortable environment for users while maintaining the law. Discusses filters; court cases; claims of the anti-porn cult; research studies on how much of…

This paper discusses the legal obligations owed by librarians to the users of their facilities, focusing on the viewing of pornography on the Internet in the public library. The meanings commonly ascribed to the word censorship are presented. Australian federal law that governs the classification of films, videos, computer games, and publications…

Presents steps for creating copyright policies: appoint an officer; arrange access to a lawyer; understand copyright principles; know how copyright applies to Internet and CD-ROMs; understand permissions procedures; collect reference materials; use Internet information; understand international law; stay updated; attend seminars; educate others;…

Intended to be a practical guide to the issues that arise under the First Amendment for libraries that provide public access to the Internet, this book contains the following chapters: (1) "Questions and Answers about the First Amendment: Sex, Lies, and Cyberspace"; (2) "Basic First Amendment Principles and Their Application to…

Considers policy formation for libraries providing Internet access to users. Topics include budget issues; staffing, including training; patron use, including time limits, downloading, and printing; library service and programs; legal issues, including intellectual freedom, copyright, and institutional liability; and sample policies available on…

With the 1996 defeat of the Communications Decency Act, under which providing offensive material on computer systems accessible to children would have become a felony, no legal guidelines exist for library use of the Internet. Libraries can avoid becoming the center of an Internet controversy by encouraging parental involvement; by protecting…