Legal and Ethical Use of Software - "The EDUCOM Code" 1987

Statement of principle developed collaboratively by reps of industry, higher ed:


"Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, right to privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution.

"Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community.

This "statement of principle about intellectual property and the legal and ethical use of software. This 'code'--intended for adaptation and use by individual colleges and universities--was developed by the EDUCOM Software Initiative." under the direction of Steven W. Gilbert.


From:  "Using Software: A Guide to the Ethical and Legal Use of Software for Members of the Academic Community" 
- first issued by EDUCOM and ADAPSO in 1987.

Full text available December 21, 2010 at:  http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/html/code.html

NOTE OF FULL DISCLOSURE:  I was leading the EDUCOM Software Initiative in 1987 and thoroughly enjoyed working with more than 100 colleagues from many corporations, associations, colleges and universities to develop and publish the "Using Software" brochure in which the EDUCOM Code first officially appeared.