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University of Waterloo -- Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

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Tuesday, January 16, 1996

Intellectual property committee

A committee has finally been set up to write a policy for UW on "intellectual property" -- copyright, patents, the ownership of research results. Creation of such a policy was recommended by an advisory committee last year, but what with one thing and another, it's taken until now to get the drafting committee organized.

It will be chaired by Jim Brox of the economics department, with membership that includes three other faculty members (Robert Le Roy of chemistry, David Roulston of electrical and computer engineering, dean of graduate studies Pat Rowe); three staff (Bob McNair of environmental studies, Barry Scott of the research office, Peter Sprung of computing services); and three students (Martin Bunch, graduate in geography, Duncan Phillips, graduate in mechanical engineering, and Kelly Foley, undergraduate in geography).

Its instructions: "develop a comprehensive Policy. . . . The Policy should cover authorship, patents, software, copyright, and materials developed for teaching. It should include a Statement of Principles, default options for sharing IP rights, and mechanisms for informal and formal dispute resolution. . . . The Committee should aim to produce a draft Policy for discussion in May 1996. . . . Following any necessary revisions, the Policy will be submitted to the President for final approval."

Library tests new systems

UW's library has been working with the libraries of Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Guelph to find a new computer system. The choice has been narrowed to three companies, says Anne Fullerton of the Davis Centre library, and users have a chance this week to test the three systems and say what they think.

"Each system is an advanced academic library system offering powerful new features to library users," she says. The three firms are Innovative Interfaces, SIRSI, and Endeavor Information Systems.

The SIRSI system was on hand last week, and Innovative is available for test-driving today through Friday. The Endeavor system will follow, January 30 to February 2. "Our thanks to all of you who tested SIRSI last week," says Fullerton on behalf of the committee that's evaluating the systems. "We appreciate your time and comments."

Is there life after graduation?

Sure is, says the Student Alumni Association. "Come and find out what UW offers at the Grad Info Fair tomorrow from 9 to 3 in the Student Life Centre." Further explanation from Alison Boyd of the SAA: The event is "a fair where graduating students can stop by booths set up by various departments to find out what kind of services/programs will be provided to them after graduation." Participants include career services, the library, the alumni affairs office, and several faculties, "and of course the SAA".

Talk to eat your lunch by

Alan Morgan of earth sciences is on the road again with this term's "Brown Bag lunches". He will be presenting a noon hour (12:30 to 1:20) illustrated slide talk most Tuesdays in the Earth Sciences and Biology Museum -- Biology 1, room 370). The subject today is "Travels in the Former Soviet Union: Tashkent, Samarkand and Dushanbe".

Want to work abroad?

If you want to find work in Australia, Europe, Asia, "or anywhere in our global community", Thursday will be a good day to find out more. The career services department offers "So You Want to Work Abroad", a forum that runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the Student Life Centre.

"Panelists, including students, alumni and organization/program representatives, will tell you how to prepare, find and quality for work/internship and volunteer positions outside of Canada. Everyone interested in unique international experiences is encouraged to attend. Networking after the presentations will give you the opportunity to chat with the panelists directly." More information: ext. 4047, eadrian@nh1adm.

Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
(519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
credmond@watserv1.uwaterloo.ca

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