Author archives

New International Law Database

Announcement from Jill McC. Watson, The American Society of International Law: The Electronic Information System for International Law (EISIL) database is a collaborative project created by The American Society of International Law with the support of the Mellon Foundation…you can browse through outlines of each subject category. They contain links to primary documents, recommended web …

Subjects: Legal Research

Philly’s High-Tech Court

Philadelphia’s High-Tech Courtroom: “Courtroom 625, the pride and joy of the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, is equipped with everything the savvy trial attorney could need to present a state-of-the-art, multimedia case to a judge and jury. A video presentation system with plasma screen monitors, document cameras, a DVD and a videotape player, computer connections, and …

Subjects: Courts

Ashcroft Asserts Clarification on Patriot Act

American Libraries Online has an interesting article on AG Ashcroft’s June 19 presentation at the Aspen Institute Journalism and Homeland Security conference. Ashcroft is quoted as stating the following: “The Patriot Act simply does not allow federal law enforcement free or unfettered access to local libraries, bookstores, or other businesses…We need the help of the …

Subjects: Libraries, Patriot Act, Privacy

New Book on History of the Library

Library: An Unquiet History, by Matthew Battles. See the review in Newsday: “The charm of Battles’ book lies in its historical sweep and its appreciation for the browser’s delight. Cicero to Swift, Bacon to Borges – this is a book full of breezy learnedness. An earnest and passionate bibliophile, Battles traces the varied forms of …

Subjects: Libraries, Recommended Books

Public Interest Registry to Manage Dot-Org

“Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a not-for-profit corporation created to manage the .ORG registry. PIR looks forward to serving the .ORG community by providing superior technology; new services designed for noncommercial registrants; and responsive, responsible stewardship. PIR has established its new .ORG Advisory Council. The council will focus on .ORG policy, outreach, and service issues.”

Subjects: Domain Names, Internet

Supreme Court Backs Net Filters For Libraries

In a 6 to 3 decision (56 pages, pdf) released today in United States v. American Library Association (02-361), the Supreme Court ruled that the Children’s Internet Protection Act does not violate the First Amendment, and Congress can thereby require the use of Internet filters by public libraries receiving federal funds. See also: My related …

Subjects: Civil Liberties, Free Speech, Freedom of Information, Libraries, Privacy

New Legislation on Criminalizing P2P File Transfer of Copyrighted Works

H.R. 2517 (introduced June 19 by Rep. Lamar Smith), the Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2003, to enhance criminal enforcement of the copyright laws, educate the public about the application of copyright law to the Internet, and clarify the authority to seize unauthorized copyrighted works. In the bill language is the following statement: Trafficking …

Subjects: Copyright, Cybercrime, E-Commerce, Privacy

NASD Guidelines for Instant Messages

According to this National Association of Securities Dealer’s June 18 press release: “NASD today advised member firms about the use of “instant messaging” by employees, saying firms must ensure the instant messaging is being retained for at least three years and the communication does not violate NASD rules governing sales literature and correspondence.” “The Notice …

Subjects: E-Mail, Securities Law

Gov’t Report on IT Workforce

From the Department of Commerce Technology Administration: Examining Information Technology Education and Training Landscape in 21st Century, a report mandated by the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act of 2000. The 225-page report (pdf) provides an extensive exploration of employer demand for information technology (IT) workers, the IT education and training landscape, and the …

Subjects: Internet