FEWER HIGH-TECH JOBS FOR COLLEGE GRADS - A recent report from a
placement firm Challenger, Gray, and Christmas Inc. paints a grim picture for new
college graduates looking for high-tech jobs. According to the report, the slowdown
in the tech sector has led to a very difficult job market for recent graduates, due to a
number of circumstances. Many high-tech workers have been laid off over the past
couple of years, flooding the market with available workers with prior experience.
Most employers will typically opt for an experienced applicant over one just out of
college. In addition, companies are spending significantly less on new technologies
and therefore have much reduced needs for workers who understand the newest
hardware and software. Many companies are able to operate efficiently with current
staff rather than seeking new employees with cutting-edge skills. Students who have
participated in programs, such as internships, are likely to have an edge over those
whose education has been limited to college courses. For the complete article see: http://www.idg.net/ic_1309268_9677_1-5048.html (IDG, 21 Apr 03 - Edupage,
25 Apr 03)

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL USE EXPANDED IN GERMANY - A copyright law
recently adopted in Germany would give academics the same freedom with electronic
materials that they already have with printed ones. Publishers and some authors of
copyrighted material strongly opposed the law, saying it would kill the academic
publishing industry. Many academics dismissed that argument, saying publishers must
work with academic interests to "develop ... new ways to organize and distribute
digital material." The complete article is at:
- http://chronicle.com/free/2003/04/2003041407n.htm - (Chronicle of Higher
Education, 14 Apr 03)