Library liability and Net access

[CopyrtLib@aol.com]

Posted with the permission of The Copyright & New Media Law Newsletter:
For Librarians & Information Specialists -- http://copyrightlaws.com or
email:  libraries@copyrightlaws.com.

RE:  U.S. Court Decision -- Library not liable for content on Internet

On October 21, 1998, a California Superior Court judge held that those who
provide Internet access are not responsible for materials transmitted by
others.  This decision upholds a library's right to offer unhindered
access to the Internet. It allows libraries to continue to allow Internet
access on their premises without being censors of the content available on
the Net.

The suit was filed by the Pacific Justice Institute on behalf of a Concord
(California)  woman whose 12-year-old son downloaded sexually graphic
pictures off an Internet computer at the library.  The Institute plans to
appeal the decision.