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Governance Minutes ArchiveOctober 25, 1989
MINUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1989 3:00 P.M. CEC - CONFERENCE ROOM C Attending: Richard Alvarez, Dave Beagle, Erv Blythe, Theta Bowden, John Eaton for Bernie La Berge, Jamie Evans, Ed Fox, Bob Heterick, Holly Kim, Judy Lilly, John Moore, Don Mullins, Suzanne Murrmann, Lee Pyle, Mark Sanders, Bob Sumichrast, Matt Swift, James Wimbush and Pamela Winfrey Administrative Assistant: Dreama Webb The meeting was called to order by Chairman Pyle at 3:05 P.M. MINUTES The minutes of the August 30 meeting were accepted as distributed. VIDEO DISTRIBUTION Dave Beagle reviewed the subcommittee report (attached) on video distribution. The basic issue addressed was whether the faculty/staff are aware of the copyright laws and if the University community is handling this matter in an appropriate way. There was a wide-ranging discussion regarding the current system for assuring that copyright requirements have been met. There was a general feeling that many faculty members are not aware of the specifics of the law and some are signing the form required for cable distribution without being aware of the potential implications. There was a general discussion on how tapes can be used on the cable system, in classrooms and for individual use. The most difficult problem to deal with is once a program is put on the cable, all cable users can have access to the program. Ed Fox suggested that we should consider using scrambling devices. Erv Blythe indicated that this could cause problems with the FCC. It was mentioned that the state has sovereign immunity; therefore, faculty members can use videotapes without major concern about copyright laws. Others felt that respecting copyright laws and intellectual property rights is important in a university setting. It was acknowledged that the current copyright laws are outmoded and new laws that reflect the current information environment are badly needed. John Moore suggested that the Copyright Committee could address some of these issues and would be an important resource for the faculty. Erv Blythe suggested that copyright permission could be obtained with each tape purchase unless that tape would be restricted for individual viewing in the library. It was pointed out that a formal process for obtaining broadcast rights would have significant cost implications in terms of fees and personnel. Bob Heterick suggested that we could take the approach that we would abide by the copyright laws and utilize the tapes based on the rights that had been obtained. Dave Beagle said that it would be helpful to the faculty if more information were included on the form about legal implications. Suzanne Murrmann asked if the form could be eliminated because the responsibility for managing the system rests with the University and not the faculty. Erv Blythe suggested that Kay Heidbreder be consulted about the form in order to decide what is required. MOTION: Fox/Beagle The utilization of videotape material at Virginia Tech be done in accordance with the copyright laws. PASSED (3 opposed) Bob Heterick indicated that the implications of this motion would be assessed over the next few weeks. He said that other issues directly related to this matter might have to be brought before the UCNC. POLICIES FOR ACCESS TO THE VIRGINIA TECH COMPUTER NETWORK Jamie Evans indicated that he had made some revisions in the report (attached) as requested by the UCNC. Dr. Pyle asked members to review this report prior to the November meeting. POLICY REGARDING CAMPUS NETWORKS Ed Fox distributed a proposed policy (attached) for establishing and maintaining campus networks. He briefly discussed the proposal. Erv Blythe said that the proposed policy is quite similar to the present system. He said he would ask Theta Bowden to respond to the proposal at the November meeting. Bob Heterick suggested that Ed Fox and Theta Bowden meet prior to the November meeting so they could make a joint presentation to the UCNC. CONCERNS FROM THE FACULTY SENATE Because Dr. Larry Nielsen was not present, Lee Pyle indicated that he would not comment in any detail about the memorandum of September 27, 1989 (attached). He said the reports requested would be provided. He also indicated that items 2, 3, and 4 were operational matters that should be handled by Network Services personnel. Item 5, the inbound modem pool, will be on the agenda for the November meeting. GUEST SPEAKER Ms. Judy Lilly, the Director of Network Services, provided an overview of the activities of this communications support unit. She said that the campus presently has 15,000 PC's, 5,000 video, 11,000 voice and 11,000 data connections. She said there are 100 MAC'S (move, alter, change) per week. The five operational units within Network Services include: 1. Customer Support Services 2. Field Engineering 3. Logistics and Inventory 4. Network Operation and Information Center 5. Business Office Judy offered to give tours to anyone interested in understanding the magnitude of the communications operations on the campus. Lee Pyle thanked Judy for the overview and indicated that Network Services provides quality services to a demanding University community. The meeting was adjourned at 4:29 P.M.
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Last modified on: Tuesday, 25-Sep-2001 13:57:22 EDT