Re: Webwacker

[Dan Robinson /Indexing Services <DROBINSON@INFO.HWWILSON.COM>]

BTW: I don't use Webwacker or similar programs and only know of them
through discussions on the lists.

I guess two main questions come to mind.

Is the use for instruction in a limited time frame? Or, is the
use going to be ongoing for the whole year?

    If the use is limited, then Webwacker is a nice way to ensure
that the lesson materials are available for each class and that the
lesson will proceed smoothly. My personal opinion would be that this
falls under Fair use. It would be courteous to let the Webmaster of
the site know that you have chosen to use the site for a lesson.

<grin>
    If the use will be continuous as a resource, then aren't the
students being done a disservice by not experiencing the true
uncertain nature of the Internet/Web?</grin>. If the site will be used
as a permanent resource, then it seems Fair use does not apply and
permission to webwack the site to your server or machine should be
sought.

The point of hit counts, log statistics, etc. is to show that the
Website is being used. A list or count of the sites that have
"wacked" the site (or portions of it) with permission would make a
very nice addition to the statistics. Think of what that says to the
decision makers: a site is so good that a library needs unimpeded
access to the information on it.

With a little extra effort, both sides can be accommodated.


Dan Robinson
Editiorial Specs Specialist
    and Web Team member
H.W. Wilson Company
Bronx, NY
drobinson@info.hwwilson.com
http://www.hwwilson.com



> I certainly agree with the issues of hit rates and keeping free sites
> available.  What is the middle ground, if there is any, for those who
> want to make sure that a site is available for the 7 periods of classes
> taught during the day?  What other alternatives are available for
> reliable, consistent access during the school day?  I'm sure we are not
> alone in finding it very difficult for a teacher to be assured that a
> wonderful site will be available for a stretch of class periods.
>
> Joanne Troutner
> Director of Technology & Media
> Tippecanoe School Corporation
> Lafayette, IN  47905
> jtroutne@wvec.k12.in.us
> "To boldly go where no educator has gone..."
>
>