ACM has embarked on an ambitious electronic publication plan, and has established new copyright policies to accompany it. New technology alone does not promote or hinder the progress of science and the useful arts. Technology is a democratizing influence, allowing more management by individuals and creating the need for more precision on the part of all constituencies involved in the publishing system. Today the subject of copyright draws standing room only audiences. Why they care, how they express their interests, and a modest attempt to suggest where the activity might take us, form the center of this paper.
Information is seen as a strategic resource for social transformation and 'empowerment'.
Traditional South Africa is expected to extend its resources inside and outside its boundaries and to serve as the technological springboard. The political situation before and after 1994 is examined, along with the impact of politics on information access, and the role of technology in facilitating access to information and fostering resource sharing. The Internet is a very powerful tool. Nevertheless, security problems are crippling it, and if matters continue as they have been going - will ultimately drive away serious information providers and users. This presentation explores some of the problems and their causes, and sketches some palliative measures.