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| BOOKS VS. BYTES Should libraries go high tech? August 4, 1997 |
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Questions asked
in this forum:Should librarians choose which Internet sites are appropriate for patrons? How can we keep libraries' computer terminals convenient and accessible? Does installing filtering software on library computers impede First Amendment rights? Would creating a separate children's area of the Web solve the First Amendment question? Will computers allow people to access library databases from home? Will we have "virtual libraries" in the future?
Online Backgrounders
A report on Internet filtering systems.
NewsHour Backgrounders
March 20, 1997
Elizabeth Farnsworth leads a discussion on the Communications Decency Act, which was opposed by the American Library Association.
December 30, 1996
A discussion of the increase in Internet popularity.
Outside Links
American Library Association
New York Public Library
A Question from Tony Lux of Albuquerque, NM:
In the future, will we have virtual public libraries that will allow an individual to "check-out" a book by down-loading it via the Internet, or do copyright laws prevent this from ever taking place?
Ann Symons responds:
Many classic books and other works whose copyright has expired or that have no copyright can already be downloaded from the Web.
It's possible that more works will become available assuming there is a mechanism for authors to be compensated for their work.
Whether this is practical or desirable for libraries is another question.
Norman Holman responds:
What is contemplated by the virtual library is possible, but the impacts on copyright, pricing and fair use have to be explored as the technologies and information evolve.
Questions asked in this forum:
Should librarians choose which Internet sites are appropriate for patrons?
How can we keep libraries' computer terminals convenient and accessible?
Does installing filtering software on library computers impede First Amendment rights?
Would creating a separate children's area of the Web solve the First Amendment question?
Will computers allow people to access library databases from home?
Will we have "virtual libraries" in the future?
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