In this issue ...

1.  Deal Exports DMCA to Australia
2.  Video Streaming and Copyright

3.  Falling for Fake E-mails

4.  IMLS Launches Second Technology and Digitization Survey

5.  The 9-11 Commission Report

6.  EU Copyright Laws Reviewed

7.  Accessibility Assessment of 50 U.S. Government Web Pages

8.  Four EU States Web Accessibility

9.  Guide to Copyright Compliance
10.  IMLS Awards over $19 Million to Museums and Libraries

Deal Exports DMCA to Australia
Australia will be required to adopt U.S. intellectual-property rules, including laws covering the "circumvention" of copy protection and software patents that have alarmed advocates of open-source software, according to a trade agreement signed by President Bush.

Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard promoted the  Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), saying it will eliminate many tariffs on manufactured goods and agricultural products between the two countries, which exchange $28 billion each year in goods and services. A less-noticed section of the free-trade agreement deals with copyright.  Full story

Video Streaming and Copyright

When digital video first streamed into schools, many predicted it would one day revolutionize teaching and learning. But the threat of lawsuits and new copy-protection technologies are keeping educators from exercising their legal right to use portions of video and other digital media in the classroom.  Full story

Falling for Fake E-Mails

A new study finds that nearly one out of three Internet users was unable to tell the difference between fraudulent e-mails designed to steal their identities and legitimate corporate e-mail.  Full story

IMLS Launches Second Technology and Digitization Survey

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) launched its second survey on the Status of Technology and Digitization in the Nation's Museums and Libraries. The first survey, published in May 2002, established baseline data that was helpful in clarifying how libraries and museums use technology and digitization and in defining their future needs. The goal of the second survey is to update the baseline data and capture related information on new developments and trends. The report is available online at: www.imls.gov/reports/techreports/intro02.htm.

The 9-11 Commission Report

The Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Official Government Edition, has been released.  The Full Report has been made available as a single PDF file.  An Executive Summary of the Final Report is also available.  Go to:  http://www.gpoaccess.gov/911/index.html

EU Copyright Laws Reviewed

The European Commission has launched a consultation on whether the existing set of EU Directives on copyright and related rights need to be simplified or re-worked. Its own recommendation is for fine-tuning rather than an overhaul. Go to:http://www.out-law.com/php/page.php?page_id=tweakingeucopyrigh1090398892&area=news

Accessibility Assessment of 50 U.S. Government Web Pages

This study evaluates the current accessibility of U.S. Government Web pages for people with disabilities. Several Federal laws, and specifically Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, require Web pages of government agencies to be accessible to people with disabilities. This investigation built on past studies that used the Web accessibility evaluation tool Bobby to assess various types of Web sites. The home pages of 50 U.S. government agencies were reviewed for accessibility based on Section 508 guidelines. This study establishes that the U.S. government has not met its accessibility goals.  Go to: http://firstmonday.org/issues/issue9_7/ellison/

Four EU States Web Accessibility
“A Comparative Assessment of Web Accessibility and Technical Standards Conformance in Four EU States” presents the results of a comparative survey of Web accessibility guidelines and HTML standards conformance for samples of Web sites drawn from Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The paper also gives some recommendations on how to improve the accessibility level of Web content. Go to: http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue9_7/marincu/index.html

Guide to Copyright Compliance
Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) has created a Web-based resource called "The Guide to Copyright Compliance." The interactive guide, developed specially for business professionals who frequently use copyright-protected materials in their day-to-day activities, assists companies in implementing corporate-wide best practices for achieving copyright compliance.  The guide also helps organizations to educate employees on how to lawfully use the content required to do their jobs.  Users need to register to access this free service. Go to:  http://www.copyright.com/Services/CorporateGuide.

IMLS Awards over $19 Million to Museums and Libraries
IMLS awarded $19,114,725 to 311 museums and libraries across the country on July 13. IMLS received 404 applications requesting over $52 million. Many recipients will match the grants for an additional $15,745,011 to America's libraries and museums. Go to: http://www.imls.gov/whatsnew/current/071404.htm

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