Implementation of the European Info Directive in German Law and Its Consequences for Teaching and Research

Abstract

In accordance with Article 5, Section 1, of the German Constitution (Grundgesetz), access to knowledge to participate in the scientific findings of others and to share this information with other researchers or students is an essential condition for research and teaching. In view of the extensive usage of electronic, especially net-based information and communication media at universities not only for research cooperation or distance learning but also in traditional “face-to-face” teaching, the question to what extent access to electronic works will be guaranteed in the future is critical.