Policy Guidelines for Publishing Networked Information (rev May 2000)
May 30, 2000
Increasingly, information is being published electronically at the University of Chicago, especially on the University network. Consequently, a number of policy issues have been identified related to this form of publication.
Although many policy issues related to such publication are no different than those that govern traditional publishing, others are new. Publishers of electronic information have a range of responsibilities related to that information, and many policies relate to those responsibilities. Many of these policies have evolved in conjunction with the development and implementation of the web.
A "publisher" of electronic information includes any member of the University community who is responsible for providing digital information through the campus networks to the general campus community.
Publishers at the University must conform to University policies, ethical codes, rules, and regulations, related to the proper use of information technology resources. Because of rapid changes in technologies, these policies are evolving, and information providers are responsible for being current on these issues. (Ref: University of Chicago "Policy on Responsible Use of Academic Computing Resources.")
Publishers must observe U.S. and international copyright laws and acceptable practices related to those laws, e.g. all copyright material must have prior permission of the copyright holder. Publishers may establish copyrights on digital materials only in accordance with University policies. Publishers must obtain explicit written permission to distribute any information requiring such permissions. See also: Intellectual Property and the National Information Infrastructure, A Preliminary Draft of the Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights, Information Infrastructure Task Force.
Publishers must have a University affiliation. All information must have a clearly identifiable University "owner," an organization or individual who will be held accountable for that information, e.g. its timeliness, accuracy, and reliability, and adherence to national, local, and University policy guidelines. Publishers must be clearly and specifically identified, including specific names and other contact information for individuals responsible for a given set of electronic information.
In general, publishers should present information that serves the "public" of the University of Chicago, in that it furthers its mission of research and instruction. Publishers may not use the networked information for commercial purposes. Information that is appropriate for electronic publishing may be distinguished, in part, by its intended audience, which should be an identifiable group of more than a few individuals -- e.g. the members of a department or group, members of the University, or those outside the University who support its mission.
Publishers must provide current, accurate information, e.g. continually maintain content and revision dates.
Publishers should not provide confidential or sensitive information. Information on the University network is usually available for public access -- publishing of confidential or sensitive information is not allowed. Some facilities exist to restrict access to specific material to certain groups of users, but seldom to the degree possible with a private electronic mailing list. Whenever appropriate, publishers must arrange for reviews of materials by others who may be affected by its publication.
Publishers with specialized requirements that incur costs to the University, e.g. related to security, access restrictions, complex protocol support, presentation requirements, etc. must be prepared to reimburse the University for those costs.
The University reserves the right to remove any information published through the campus network.
All persons publishing information on the web should consult http://web-resources.uchicago.edu
Last updated: 6/19/07