The USA PATRIOT Act, and What You Can Do, by Mairi McFall and Karen G. Schneider, CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee Sample Search Warrant Procedures for Libraries by Mary Minow The Library’s Legal Answer Book Continue Reading
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Monthly Archives: June 2003
Court Orders Verizon to Reveal Identity of File-Sharing Customers
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled that ISP Verizon Communications must provide the RIAA with the names of four customers accused of using the service to pirate copyrighted music using file sharing sofware. For a history of this case, please see this link. The RIAA press release is here. Continue Reading
Survey: Increased Demand for Expert Law Library Services
Libraries are growing smaller, but budgets, staffing and duties keep expanding, according to this new article on Law.com, which also links to the Second Annual AmLaw Tech Library Survey. Continue Reading
More Public Libraries Seek Patriot Act Exemptions
From American Libraries Online: “In independent actions, the Door County (Wis.) and the Livermore (Calif.) public libraries have asked lawmakers to rescind Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act. The section gives federal agents the ability to get a court order to obtain an individuals bookstore or library records without establishing probable cause, and forbids… Continue Reading
The Value of Checking Facts Prior to Publication
Who Uses Fact Checkers, Anyway? is an interesting article worth noting in the context of blogging, especially given its inherent emphasis on timeliness in posting content. For some “historical” context, see this 1999 article from Searcher, Fact-Checking 101. (Forbes Magazine’s information center), which provides some much needed perspective on the limitations of virtual libraries, and… Continue Reading
Adding Power to Your Internet Browser
From Rick Klau, reviews and links to browser toolbar enhancements which will broaden your online searching capabilities and also provide some useful, value-added features at no cost. Continue Reading
Non-Commercial Streaming Webcasters Reach Royalty Agreement
The Radio and Internet Newsletter reports that non-commercial webcasters have reached a royalty agreeement with SoundExchange, an organization that represents hundreds of large and small recording labels by licensing, collecting and distributing copyright fees. Related documents: Small Webcasters Settlement Act of 2002 Rates and Terms Available to Certain Non Commercial Webcasters Collegiate Broadcasters, Inc. Webcasting… Continue Reading
Report: Security Risks and Broadband Access
According to an article in today’s New York Times, the industry sponsored National Cyber Security Alliance will release a study later today focused on the security and privacy risks associated with broadband internet connections. The study, Clear and Present Danger, In-Home Study on Broadband Security Among American Consumers, is now available here (37 page pdf). Continue Reading
Nevada Legal Resources Directory
The Nevada Legal Resources Directory is a statewide collection of free legal assistance organizations and other related resources. The directory is the work product of the L.E.A.N. (Legal Electronic Assistance for Nevadans) Project which has been spearheaded by the Washoe County Law Library. Contact is Ana Hinman, Reference Librarian, Washoe County Law Library Reno, NV,… Continue Reading
DOJ Clarifies Testimony on Library Searches
A DOJ press release dated June 3, states: The New York Times inaccurately reported that Assistant Attorney General Viet Dinh said FBI “agents have contacted about 50 libraries nationwide in the course of terrorism investigations” (Eric Lichtblau, Justise Dept. Lists Use of New Power to Fight Terror, May 21, 2003). The transcript of the hearing,… Continue Reading
Report: IRS Information Security Seriously Flawed
The GAO released this report on June 2: Information Security: Although Progress Made, Weaknesses at the Internal Revenue Service Continue to Pose Risks. The Highlights document states: “…weaknesses continue to threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive systems and taxpayer data. Continue Reading
President’s Information, Technology Advisory Committee
Executive Order 13305 of May 28, 2003, Extension of the President’s Information, Technology Advisory Committee and the President’s, Council of Advisors on Science and Technology: “That section 4(b) of Executive Order 13035, as amended, is further amended by deleting “June 1, 2003,” and inserting in lieu thereof “June 1, 2005.” Continue Reading
