From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie)
Subject: Re: What is a library?
Message-ID: <1991Sep18.152828.6297@eff.org>
References: <1991Sep17.180603.10263@eff.org> <9109181420.AA16344@dsacg2.dsac.dla.mil>
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1991 15:28:28 GMT

nbc2134@dsacg2.dsac.dla.mil (Robert F Solon) writes:

....
>To what extent should Nos. 1 and 2 apply?  Is every newsgroup a
>library, or only Usenet as a whole?  What about archives?  Are they
>libraries?  Is each major hierarchy a library?  
...

I would say that every newsgroup is a publication. Usenet is a set of
publications. Netnews is a larger set of publications. Each major
hierarchy is a smaller set of publications. None of these are
libraries.

The Netnews service on a particular machine is a library service. The
sys admin who selects which newsgroups will be carried on a particular
machine is acting as a librarian. (Most sys admins also, of course,
have other duties.)

An archive on a particular machine may also be a library. (Archives
and news servers on other machines are other libraries.)

Maybe if I do a little creative rewriting it will be clear:

--------- 
               Hypothetical Netnews Bill of Rights

All computers offering Netnews are forums for information and ideas,
and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

      1.  Newsgroups and other Netnews resources should be provided
for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the
community the Netnews provider serves.  Materials should not be
excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those
contributing to their creation.

      2.  Computers offering Netnews should provide materials and
information presenting all points of view on current and historical
issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of
partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

      3.  Netnews providers should challenge censorship in the
fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and
enlightenment.

      4.  Netnews providers should cooperate with all persons and
groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free
access to ideas.

      5.  A person's right to use a Netnews service should not be
denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

      6.  Netnews providers which provides resources for user
expression or assembly should make such resources available on an
equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of
individuals or groups requesting their use.

------ 

- Carl