Issues range from the problems of a consumer or health professional following outdated guidelines to information providers misrepresenting their qualifications. Security, privacy and confidentiality have long been standards of the Nation's libraries, government agencies, and other providers and receivers of information about individuals. Copyright laws for electronic media are still under discussion. The relative ease of copying and repackaging electronic files complicates the debate. Overload is a possible prognosis, forcing information users to be more selective and encouraging more collaboration among information providers.
Collaboration is the key.
Former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, in introducing the first Networked Health Information Conference, recalled that the private sector built the railroads and the government built the highway system. But he said the information superstructure is too important to leave to either alone. Accessible via a computer or computer network. Information available through an electronic system interconnected by telephone wires or other means in order to share information. When capitalized, the global network of networks based on specific computer protocols.