Policy issues for electronic databases and database systems |
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| Authors: | Martha E Williams |
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| Institution: | Coordinated Science Laboratory , University of Illinois , Urbana, Illinois |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Database producers of all types, including the federal government, play many roles in the information “industry.” Because of mergers, acquisitions and vertical integration, a given producer may function in virtually any part of the nine‐membered database use chain. The database use chain, together with statistics showing dramatic growth, provides a framework for the discussion of policy issues, problems, and future requirements of the database industry. The various stages of the database use chain are considered in terms of added value, added production cost, compensation, push and pull mechanisms, proprietorship of data, control of data, and use agreements. The framework for considering policy issues includes the characteristics of the public and private sectors, their products and services, the appropriateness of government involvement in certain subject areas of information and the benefits to society. Problems and issues are standardization, copyright, structural changes in the industry, transborder data flow, and competition between the public and private sectors. |
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