[1254] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Are all public-access resources public?
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Mon Sep 21 12:23:16 1992
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 1992 11:12:12 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
3 Messages, 95 Lines
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From: NPRESTON@SUVM
Subject: Are all public-access resources public?
My statement to PACS-L has been grossly misinterpreted
by some, and I would like to defend myself right away
and redirect the discussion.
1. I do not possess any secret information about any
Internet resource. Everything I know about the Internet
I have learned from discussion groups, directories,
articles, etc.
2. I am aware of a particular site that has the ERIC
database publicy-accessible but prefers that the instructions
not be shared. The existence of this resource is quite
easy to discover, and lots people have found it using one of
the many directories to OPACS that are out there. I have
seen the news about this source passed around different
discussion groups, etc. I happened to discover that the
host did not want the info. shared because I was putting
together an information sheet and chose to contact the host
first. They objected to being listed, so I took them off
the list. I HAVE NOT SHARED THE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS
RESOURCE, FORMALLY OR INFORMALLY, SINCE.
THE ISSUES I WAS HOPING TO DISCUSS ON PACS-L ARE THESE:
A. Should the Internet community feel obliged to ask
permission of the host before sharing information about
new resources?
B. Is it possible to distinguish between formal and informal
sharing of information in the Internet context? A published
and bound directory seems formal, and so does a regularly
issued electronic directory. But how about an electronic
information sheet or fact sheet, or a list of resources
posted on a discussion group? Do we decide what's okay
and not okay to post based on the form of the vehicle? The
frequency? The source?
C. Given the nature of the Internet, it is nearly impossible
to stop the flow of information that people find valuable.
As a librarian, I feel conflicted about NOT sharing useful
information with people, because I happen to know the host wishes
it wouldn't be shared, when that information is flowing all
around, is in directories, can be found using WAIS, etc.
I don't usually include a disclaimer on my signature, but
I had better say here that I am not speaking for the ERIC
system. I am speaking for myself, a librarian who works
for one ERIC clearinghouse and spends considerable time helping
people from all around the world find out how to use ERIC
in whatever manner, form, setting, and mode is most appropriate
for them.
: Nancy R. Preston Voice: (315) 443-3640 :
: Assistant Director FAX: (315) 443-5448 :
: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources :
: Syracuse University BITNET: NPRESTON@SUVM :
: Syracuse, NY 13244-2340 Internet: NPRESTON@SUVM.ACS.SYR.EDU :
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From: jahb@Lehigh.EDU (JENNIFER A. HEISE)
Subject: Re: Are All Public-Access Resources Public?
But... how do we get to the person who "knows" whether the system is supposed
to be closed. Several months ago, I used our port connection to CARL and was
accidentally thrown into ERIC. Fearing that perhaps I had fallen into a
systems loophole, I called them about it (we are not CARL ERIC subscribers).
I was told that yes, it wasn't password or id protected, and that it wasn't
likely to be ever. Yes, I could publicize this to our community (which
includes many Education graduate students, though many of those have limited
computer access). Now, from certain messages on the net, this access appears
to be discouraged. Talk about information decentralization!
Jennifer Heise Net: jahb@lehigh.edu
Reference Dept., Phone: (215) 758-3072
Fairchild-Martindale Libraries #8A, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
My opinions are my own. No one else would HAVE them anyway.
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From: "Dr. Bruce" <KLOPFENSTEIN@BGSUOPIE.BITNET>
Subject: Re: Are all public-access resources public?
As a non-librarian, let me throw my 2 cents in. Please keep open access
whenever and wherever possible. Of course I understand that licensing
agreements and/or technical limitations may force restricted access. But
I urge you to do what you can to resist policy statements that bar access
to a system that could otherwise handle the users.
What happened to the Michigan library system? Am I right that it has
gone from open access to limited access? If so, what was the reasoning?
Are non-residents barred from using the Michigan libraries' various card
catalogs? I hope the professsionals in the field will do what you can
to foster open access whenever and wherever reasonable.
Bruce Klopfenstein
