Software Policy
Software Policy
WEEHAWKEN BOARD OF EDUCATION
SOFTWARE/COPYRIGHT POLICY
File Code 6161.1
It is the intent of the Weehawken Board of Education to adhere to the provisions of copyright laws in the area of microcomputer programs. Though there continues to be controversy regarding interpretation of copyright law, the following procedures represent a sincere effort to operate legally. We recognize computer software piracy is a major problem for the industry and violations of computer copyright laws contribute to higher costs and greater efforts to prevent copies and/or lessen incentives for the development of good educational software. All of these results are detrimental to the development of effective educational uses of microcomputers. Therefore, in an effort to discourage violation of copyright laws and to prevent such illegal activities:
1. The ethical and practical problems caused by software piracy will be taught in all schools in the District.
2. District employees will be expected to adhere to the provisions of Public Law 96517, Section 7(b) which amends Section 117 of Title 17 of the United States Code to allow for the making of a backup copy of computer programs. This states that “it is not an infringement for the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or authorize the making of another copy or adaptation of that computer program provided:”
A. that such a new copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in the utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a machine(computer) and that it is used in other manner, or
B. that such a new copy and adaptation is for archival (backup) purposes only and that all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful.
3. When software is to be used on a disk sharing system, efforts will be made to secure this software from copying.
4. Illegal copies of copyrighted programs may not be made or used on school equipment.
5. The legal or insurance protection of the District will not be extended to employees who violate copyright laws.
6. The Technology Coordinators must approve all software purchases according to district guidelines. All software purchased must either be referenced in a curriculum guide or any Board approved software listing.
7. Site licensing and District licensing agreements should be utilized whenever fiscally prudent. The Technology Coordinators are authorized to license agreements.
8. The building Principal is to establish procedures to enforce this policy at the school level and the Board Secretary shall establish procedures at the District level.
SOFTWARE/COPYRIGHT POLICY
File Code 6161.1
It is the intent of the Weehawken Board of Education to adhere to the provisions of copyright laws in the area of microcomputer programs. Though there continues to be controversy regarding interpretation of copyright law, the following procedures represent a sincere effort to operate legally. We recognize computer software piracy is a major problem for the industry and violations of computer copyright laws contribute to higher costs and greater efforts to prevent copies and/or lessen incentives for the development of good educational software. All of these results are detrimental to the development of effective educational uses of microcomputers. Therefore, in an effort to discourage violation of copyright laws and to prevent such illegal activities:
1. The ethical and practical problems caused by software piracy will be taught in all schools in the District.
2. District employees will be expected to adhere to the provisions of Public Law 96517, Section 7(b) which amends Section 117 of Title 17 of the United States Code to allow for the making of a backup copy of computer programs. This states that “it is not an infringement for the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or authorize the making of another copy or adaptation of that computer program provided:”
A. that such a new copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in the utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a machine(computer) and that it is used in other manner, or
B. that such a new copy and adaptation is for archival (backup) purposes only and that all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful.
3. When software is to be used on a disk sharing system, efforts will be made to secure this software from copying.
4. Illegal copies of copyrighted programs may not be made or used on school equipment.
5. The legal or insurance protection of the District will not be extended to employees who violate copyright laws.
6. The Technology Coordinators must approve all software purchases according to district guidelines. All software purchased must either be referenced in a curriculum guide or any Board approved software listing.
7. Site licensing and District licensing agreements should be utilized whenever fiscally prudent. The Technology Coordinators are authorized to license agreements.
8. The building Principal is to establish procedures to enforce this policy at the school level and the Board Secretary shall establish procedures at the District level.