LISNews: Librarian News

The Bits Blog online with The New York Times reports that programmer Aaron Swartz was indicted for allegedly stealing 4 million documents from MIT and JSTOR. According to documents posted to Scribd, the arrest warrant cites alleged violation of 18 USC 1343, 18 USC 1003(a)(4), 18 USC 1003(a)(2), 18 USC 1003(a)(5)(B), and 18 USC 2.

The Boston Globe summed up the charges stating:

Aaron Swartz, 24, was charged with wire fraud, computer fraud, unlawfully obtaining information from a protected computer, and recklessly damaging a protected computer. He faces up to 35 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Activist group Demand Progress, of which Swartz previously served as Executive Director, has a statement posted. Internet luminary Dave Winer also has a thought posted as to the indictment. Wired's report cites the current Executive Director of Demand Progress as likening the matter to checking too many books out of a library.

(h/t Evan Prodromou and Dave Winer)

(Update at 1641 Eastern: The Register has reporting here) -- Read More

A letter to Cory Doctorow asking him to allow purchasers of his ebooks to OWN them.

Read about the Konomark here.

“DAVID vs. GOLIATH”
A SMALL CALIFORNIA BUSINESS AGAINST THE GIANT DISNEY EMPIRE

The legendary tale of “David vs. Goliath” has inspired countless “little guys” to take on the world “giants.” Today many small businesses must contend with the business “Goliaths” who have more money, more influence and more lawyers. These business “Davids” must stand firm, and hold their ground, or risk extinction. In this updated version of that classic battle, “David” is a little-known California company called “Let the Memories Begin photo booths” versus a well-know “Goliath”, “Disney.”
By now, anyone with a television or computer has either seen or heard Disney’s new park promotion to help celebrate Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary in 2011. It’s called, ‘Let the Memories Begin’ and designed to put park guests in the spotlight; and hopefully bring more of them into the parks. The promotion features snapshots and home videos of real guests during their stays at a Disney park. “A Disney vacation is the perfect way to create family memories that will last a lifetime,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’ll spotlight those ‘only-at-Disney’ moments with family and friends during our ‘Let the Memories Begin’ campaign.” -- Read More