|
University Archives of Virginia Tech |
Virginia Tech
Governance Minutes ArchiveNovember 29, 1989
MINUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1989 3:00 P.M. 210 BURRUSS HALL Attending: Richard Alvarez, David Beagle, Erv Blythe, Theta Bowden, Jamie Evans, Ed Fox, Tom Head, Holly Kim, Bernard LaBerge, Judy Lilly, Tom McAnge, John Moore, Don Mullins, Lee Pyle, Mark Sanders, Arthur Snoke, Bob Sumichrast, Matt Swift, Joe Tront (for F.G. Gray) and James Wimbush MINUTES The minutes of the October 25, 1989 meeting were accepted without change. CAMPUS NETWORKS POLICY Theta Bowden reminded the Committee that Ed Fox had distributed a proposed policy at the last meeting (attached). Theta indicated that there had been joint discussions about the proposed policy since the last UCNC meeting and a new document has been developed (attached). Theta reviewed the changes in the policy most of which were minor. The only substantial change was the designation of BITNET as a central network because this network has been within the domain of the Computing Center. Erv Blythe said that BITNET and Internet are merging and in the future these networks will appear as a single E-mail function to the users. Erv stated that there is natural overlap between Computing Center functions and Communications Services; however, through good personal relationships most of the problems are resolved. Art Snoke asked what the impact would be from a user point of view. Ed Fox said that any department that wanted to do networking would have to have permission from UCNC. Ed and Erv said that unauthorized connections have been made in the past that have caused major problems for other users and Communications Services. It was suggested that the title of the policy be "Connection to Campus Networks." Motion: Fox/Evans That we accept the revised policy with the understanding that the title will be modified and item 4 will be corrected. PASSED VIDEO DISTRIBUTION Dr. John Moore reviewed what he had learned since the last UCNC meeting. He indicated that the form signed by faculty that is used to clear tapes for cable distribution will have to be revised. The information that will have to be provided by the faculty will vary depending on the type of tape that a faculty member wants to show. Some videotapes are in the public domain and don't need a for signed by faculty. For those that do, the University attorney has indicated that there will have to be specific documentation that a faculty member has permission to broadcast a tape. John said that there are virtually no limitations when showing tapes in a classroom; however, the cable is quite different. Sending students to the library to view tapes is appropriate; however, recreational use in the library is unclear. John pointed out that contrary to what was mentioned at the last UCNC meetin sovereign immunity does not protect the individual; however, the University is protected. The University does carry insurance for such occurrences but there is no obligation on the part of the University to cover employees. There is a bill in U.S. Congress to revise the copyright laws so that educational institutions can be sued. Dr. Moore said the present copyright laws, written in 1976, are unclear and do not address modern technology. The fair use guidelines that presently exist (see attached summary of copyright issues), are primarily for text. John said we should do everything within reason to comply with the law; however, much clarification is needed and policies will have to be developed. He felt that it is important for us to deal with acquiring rights in conjunction with purchasing videotapes. John indicated that more staff time will be devoted to the copyright matter so that faculty will have a resource. For example, his unit intends to develop a form letter to assist faculty in acquiring rights and a comprehensive publication will be distributed in the Fall. Art Snoke suggested that the various college faculty associations be contacted by Dr. Moore so that we can be assured that faculty members understand the implications of the copyright laws. Based on a question from Dave Beagle, John said he will continue to work with Kay Heidbreder on this matter. Don Mullins asked if "flags" could be built into the Purchasing Department to assure that rights are purchased. Some felt that this might cause serious delay. Mark Sanders asked if UCNC had discussed the copying of software. Tom McAnge said the Computer Committee passed a policy indicating that we should comply with laws governing software. John said he asked the library for the list of the most used tapes and then wrote to the publishers and asked for permission to broadcast. Six granted permission without a charge. Ed Fox asked John whether the proposed videotape database will be develope John said it would be developed and will be an important tool in managing the videotape/copyright matter. FACULTY SENATE The concerns from the Faculty Senate were summarized by Dr. Art Snoke. He said the Faculty Senate wants to assure that faculty members have basic communications services. He asked Lee Pyle what happens to policies that are developed by UCNC such as the one on basic communications services for faculty. Lee said that the UC makes recommendations to the University Council and has no authority to institute policy. Art said there continues to be concerns about charge for using the inbound modem pool. Erv said there has been no charge to this point because Communications Services has been busy with other matters; however, CNS was created as an auxiliary that has to fully recover costs. Unless funds are identified to specifically support the inbound modem pool service, charges will have to be made. Erv said the deans and department heads have not been enthusiastic about subsidizing this service. The fixed cost per modem port is $2000.00 and the annual operating cost is more than $1000 per year. The annual port cost including debt service for 100 ports is just under $200,000. The established rate for the inbound modem service is 2 cents per minute. The estimated current demand is 200 ports with 400-600 ports needed in few years. Lee Pyle suggested to Art Snoke that the Faculty Senate could play an important role in identifying funds to pay for part or all of the inbound modem pool charges. Ed Fox expressed concern about what happens to the policy recommendations developed by the UCNC. Lee Pyle explained that once the minutes of our meetings are approved, multiple copies are sent to the University Council. Art Snoke indicated that the Council does not formally discuss the recommendations; however, the minutes are distributed. The group felt that the present communication level is unsatisfactory and better feedback is needed from the University Council. Lee Pyle agreed to speak with University Council officials to determine if a better system can be developed. MEDIA SERVICES Tom Head, Director of Media Services, reviewed the primary functions of the operation he manages. The major functions include graphics, printing and photography. Tom announced that on January 1, 1990 a high resolution Linotype output device will be available for general use. The charge will be approximately $3.50 per page. He said the rapid turnaround for slides has been a major factor in doubling production (18,000). He showed some examples of the type of work that is done and how faculty members can use the services. Ed Fox said it is important that mechanisms for showing faculty how to utilize the services be available. Tom assured Ed that some of this is available now and more would be forthcoming. Tom indicated that he views his operation as an electronic studio that can be easily accessed by the network. Networking has not reached its full potential as yet because a mechanism for handling the charges has not been finalized. Lee Pyle thanked Tom Head for the informative presentation and the quality of his slides. The next UCNC meeting is scheduled for December 20, 1989 in Room F, CEC.
VT History | Digital Library and Archives | Special Collections | University Archives
Send questions or comments to:
Tamara Kennelly, University Archivist
University Libraries
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
Blacksburg, VA, 24062-9001URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu/minutes/cnc/1989/November+29++1989.html
Last modified on: Tuesday, 25-Sep-2001 13:57:22 EDT