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Contact: Mary Rosenbloom, University Libraries, (785) 864-8921.

Teleconference to discuss controversial information act

LAWRENCE -- A satellite teleconference about a controversial new act governing computer software, data and online contracts is being broadcast from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and Washburn University, Topeka. The public is welcome to attend.

UCITA, the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act, is a draft state law currently making its way through state legislatures. It was created in 1999 by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, and was originally intended as a revision to the Uniform Commercial Code, which ensures consistent rules governing contract law from state to state.

Marilu Goodyear, KU vice chancellor for Information Services, says, "UCITA poses real threats to fair use provisions normally enjoyed by research, education and library communities. However, all software consumers should be concerned by the restrictions allowed by this legislation."

UCITA validates the use of shrink-wrap and click-on licenses as legally binding agreements. Consumers do not know the terms of such licenses until after they purchase a product. If consumers don't agree to the contract, their only remedy is to return the product for a refund.

The teleconference, "UCITA: A Guide to Understanding and Action," will be broadcast by the Association of Research Libraries, the American Library Association and other national library groups. The broadcast includes an overview of the act and its implications as well as ideas on opposing UCITA at the state level.

The KU broadcast, in the Pioneer Room of the Burge Union, is sponsored by the KU Libraries and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Information Services. Registration is not necessary.

The Washburn broadcast, in the Lincoln Room of the Memorial Union, is sponsored by the Northeast Kansas Library System and the Washburn University Library. Call 1-888-296-6963 to register.

Carla Stovall, Kansas attorney general, has joined attorneys general of more than twenty states in opposing UCITA. Consumer groups such as the Consumers Union and the Consumer Federation of America; and corporations such as Security Mutual Life, Prudential Life and the National Retail Federation have criticized UCITA.

Even in the face of strong opposition, UCITA has been passed in two states, Maryland and Virginia. At the other end of the spectrum, the Iowa Legislature passed a law designed to protect Iowa citizens from UCITA's provisions.