NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the current draft of the new GL proposal I promised.


The Universal Library Network

Category: Furtherment of Democracy
Strength: Significant

The United Nations,

RECALLING Resolution number 86, the Global Library, and its subsequent repeal,

NOTING previous resolutions passed for the purpose of furthering education worldwide (#3 - Education for All, #28 - Free Education, #54 - UN Educational Committee, #79 - Reformed Literacy Initiative)

REAFFIRMING the idealistic strength of the concept of a global repository for knowledge,

and RECOGNIZING the pragmatic weaknesses of a physical storage house for all the worlds knowledge,

HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Universal Library Network.

The Universal Library Network shall be established as follows:

1) Apportionment: All funds currently donated to The Global Library shall be reapportioned to the cause of establishing the Universal Library Network.

2) Designation: Each nation with the technology and economy available to do so must designate a library, newly constructed or old, as a part of the Network. This library must fulfill three requirements before being designated:
A) It must be capable of storing relevant information and literature regarding the nations history and culture from the library on a national server,
B) It must have competent, capable librarians to manage that information, and
C) It must have free public access to any citizen of that nation.
In the establishment of such libraries, special considerations will be taken for economically struggling nations.

3) Universal Library Network: Each designated library shall be connected via Internet to the others. Through this connection, librarians will establish
A) An online facility for storing and retrieving literature and information, allowing free access to all libraries in the network, and
B) A system allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from each others stock at a reasonable fee. Under no circumstances is a library required to ship texts that are rare, original, or in short supply, nor is it required to ship a text over a large distance.

4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
A) Librarians shall scan and upload any information they deem relevant or of literary merit to the Network under the restrictions of Resolution 45, International Copyright/Patent Law.
B) Librarians shall not censor information or literature unless it is proven of no literary or informational value.
C) Citizens may receive, but not upload, information from the Network, though they may submit information to the librarians for consideration.
D) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs that occur shall be equally shared by such libraries.

5) Additional Considerations and Provisions:
A) Donations of literature, subscriptions and money to the Network are accepted from any region, nation, or citizen.
B) Any excess funding shall be placed into the purchase of new literature for the Network.
C) Literature donated or purchased shall be provided to any library on request. Decisions on multiple claims of the same literature shall be based on the claimants current need, and will be sorted by the Network system established in Section 3, clause B.
D) Any nation that wishes may allow access to the Network from Internet portals within their nation at no additional cost. Member nations will have the option to provide content filters for their citizenry.
E) Each member nation may ensure that information submitted by individual libraries is credible before submitting it into the network.

6) The U.N. Literary Museum.
U.N. members who wish to help fund their libraries through the project may cooperate with nations as a part of the U.N. Literary Museum. These nations may submit any rare, ancient or historical works to the network with a schedule to display them within participating museums outside of their country. They may also determine admission fees to see such works, to be paid equally amongst the donators and the displaying museums. The works will return to their originating countries within a maximum of twenty-four months. Curators will be provided to ensure that the works are well protected, who shall be paid for by the displaying museums.

7) Recommendations: To maintain a strong and useful network of information, the U.N. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that
A) Each nation ensure that their librarians are well-paid and properly qualified,
B) Each nation respect their own fair use agreements in addition to resolution 45, and request permission from authors of a work if possible before submitting it into the network,
C) Any nation removing itself from the U.N. permit a back-up copy of that servers information to be created in another member nation,
D) U.N. members demonstrate goodwill by lending assistance or equipment to economically struggling nations for the establishment of their libraries.


Your criticism is appreciated if not demanded.

An observation: There is way too much technical detail in this draft proposal. Technical details are best left to the technical expers, not UN delegates voting on proposals.

As I recall, that was part of the problem with the original Global Library proposal because of the references to technologies and other requirements that made it impractical.

In addition, there are now at least two competiting proposals, and from my perspective, it would be far better if all of the proposals were reconciled into a compremise.

I would especially like to see Pojonia and Mousebumples go through one another's proposals just for the sake of seeing what differences remain. Once that's done, I think a single coherent proposal could emerge with the strong backing of about the seven members (many of whom are also regional delegates). That should make getting quorum not exceedingly difficult.

All right guys, telegramming campaign sign-up sheet here. Count Nargopia in, any other volunteers please post your intent to lend your services. I can provide the list of delegates and the campaign telegram as well.

Here's my comments ... late in coming, I know, but here goes ...
Here's the first draft of that proposal I promised.

The United Nations,

RECALLING Resolution number 86, the Global Library, and its subsequent repeal,

REAFFIRMING the idealistic strength of the concept of a global repository for knowledge,

and RECOGNIZING the pragmatic weaknesses of a physical storage house for all the worlds knowledge,

HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Universal Library Network (or Coalition, whichever works better).
Works for me. I usually like to mention previously passed relevant resolutions, but that's hardly a vital point.

2) Designation: Any U.N. member nation may designate a library, newly constructed or old, as a part of the Network. This library must fulfill three requirements before being admitted into the Network:
A) It must have an Internet server capable of storing all relevant information and literature from the library, including daily news subscriptions and periodicals,
B) It must have competent, capable librarians to manage that information, and
C) It must have free public access to any citizen of that nation.
One thing that I really like about my proposal is the fact that it's open to non-UN nations. I know - non-UN nations can't vote on proposals/resolutions, but who's to say that they don't have an interest in literature and/or a good literary history of their own to share? For example, I have a number of puppets located around NS, but only one can be in the UN. I'd hate to deny these nations the right to have access to the global library simply because of NS rules against UN multis.

3) Universal Library Network: Each designated library shall be connected via Internet to the others. Through this connection, librarians will establish
A) An online facility for storing scans of literature and information, allowing free access to all libraries in the network, and
B) A system showing the libraries current texts and allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from that stock. The library ordering shall pay the cost of shipping and any additional prices the library shipping will charge within reasonable limits. Under no circumstances is a library forced to ship texts that are rare, original, or in short supply.
I think that the shipping costs are not needed and that a fully functional online library is the best bet. Of course, should a paticular text be desired, that's where Krioval's museum idea (which I figure it coming up yet?) comes in.

4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
C) Librarians shall not censor information or literature unless it is proven of no literary or informational value.
I agree that censoring should not be a part of submissions to the library. However, what about content filters? Certain nations don't *want* their people to know about certain events/things/whatever, so I think that nations should be able to have the ability to censor information - on a nation-specific basis of course - should they so choose.

(I’m considering a librarian code of conduct here, to ensure no serious problems)
Might just be me, but I'd almost think that that's getting *too* detailed ...

E) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs shall be equally shared by such libraries.
Agreed on funding provided by member nations. However, how will the international costs be coordinated?

5) Additional Considerations and Provisions:
A) Donations of literature, subscriptions and money to the Network are accepted from any region, nation, or citizen.
Good. Although, again, I'm personally not such a huge fan of the global branches of a physical library, where texts and periodicals and whatever else will all need to be distributed across the globe/universe/whatever.

C) Literature donated or purchased shall be provided to any library on request. Decisions on multiple claims of the same literature shall be based on that libraries current stock. A library with fewer texts will be considered before a larger library.
Who makes these decisions?

(Literary Museum would go here, if we decide to do it)
6) Recommendations: To maintain a strong and useful network of information The U.N. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that
A) Each member nation designate at least one library as a part of the Universal Library Network,
B) Each nation should ensure that their librarians are well-paid and properly qualified,
C) Each nation respect copyright laws and fair use agreements, and request permission from authors of a work if possible before submitting it into the network
This last bit seems to more or less repeat everything said above. I know what Krioval's ideas are, but I'm not sure how different they are from what you've already included in the first bit of the proposal - or at least regarding what you've said here.

Also, you do have some good points. I don't want to make it seem like I don't like your ideas - there are some great ones in the resolution. However, in the interest of saving time, I thought I'd comment on those that specifically I had a problem with or that I want/need more clarification on. :)

All right guys, telegramming campaign sign-up sheet here. Count Nargopia in, any other volunteers please post your intent to lend your services. I can provide the list of delegates and the campaign telegram as well.
I'm currently using a computer lab for internet access, so telegramming can be a bit more difficult. I'm hoping to get my *own* internet fixed in the next few days, and if that's the case, I'll happily help out. (even without my own internet, I can try to help out, but my time online is a bit more limited then ... )

Here's my comments ... late in coming, I know, but here goes ...

Not at all, this has only been up for a few hours.


Works for me. I usually like to mention previously passed relevant resolutions, but that's hardly a vital point.

Done.


One thing that I really like about my proposal is the fact that it's open to non-UN nations. I know - non-UN nations can't vote on proposals/resolutions, but who's to say that they don't have an interest in literature and/or a good literary history of their own to share? For example, I have a number of puppets located around NS, but only one can be in the UN. I'd hate to deny these nations the right to have access to the global library simply because of NS rules against UN multis.

A U.N. resolution that can affect non-member nations... Sure, why not? I think that might actually work without violating game rules. In fact, it's a huge step forward.


I think that the shipping costs are not needed and that a fully functional online library is the best bet. Of course, should a paticular text be desired, that's where Krioval's museum idea (which I figure it coming up yet?) comes in...
Good. Although, again, I'm personally not such a huge fan of the global branches of a physical library, where texts and periodicals and whatever else will all need to be distributed across the globe/universe/whatever.


The fully functional online library is fully functional. These clauses are for those who still want a physical library. The U.N. is not paying for shipping costs, which was a big flaw in my older proposal.

One of the things I'm extremely proud of is that this resolution looks like a physical library and all nations who want that can have it (plus, it goes over easy with the crowd who voted on Agnosticas proposal). But in reality, the only requirement for a member of the Global Library Network is a building with a net server to hold information and librarians to store it, no books necessary. It makes me feel clever.


I agree that censoring should not be a part of submissions to the library. However, what about content filters? Certain nations don't *want* their people to know about certain events/things/whatever, so I think that nations should be able to have the ability to censor information - on a nation-specific basis of course - should they so choose.

That was the purpose of Section 5, Clause E, but I'll change the wording in it so that issues of national security and such are made more apparent.


Might just be me, but I'd almost think that that's getting *too* detailed ...

I'd love a second opinion to be sure on this, but I won't put it in unless I get a majority for it.


Agreed on funding provided by member nations. However, how will the international costs be coordinated?

Not sure I understand the question. They're shared equally, so each nation gets a bill proportionate to the number of libraries it has. The question I'm asking myself is "What are the international costs?".


Who makes these decisions?

Answering this question seems to me to be a place where the resolution truly does get too detailed - once you start specifically defining a job, it gets tough to manage because you're singling out people (or creating a massive coalition). I believe the resolution is capable of simply declaring "It will be so", and the details are worked out after it passes. If you really want me to, I can mention a computer sorting system for making these decisions, since it would tie into section 3, clause B.


This last bit seems to more or less repeat everything said above. I know what Krioval's ideas are, but I'm not sure how different they are from what you've already included in the first bit of the proposal - or at least regarding what you've said here.

Well, me and Krioval have had our differences, but I think the only point of his that I'm still not sure about is the Literary Museum. I'll be including it in the second draft so people can debate upon it.


Also, you do have some good points. I don't want to make it seem like I don't like your ideas - there are some great ones in the resolution. However, in the interest of saving time, I thought I'd comment on those that specifically I had a problem with or that I want/need more clarification on. :)
Sweet.

An observation: There is way too much technical detail in this draft proposal. Technical details are best left to the technical expers, not UN delegates voting on proposals.

It's important to get this right. If it's not credible, it's not worth putting back up there.


As I recall, that was part of the problem with the original Global Library proposal because of the references to technologies and other requirements that made it impractical.

No. The problem I had with the original Global Library was that the presentation was obscure and nondetailed. In addition, the only details it specifically ironed out were serious flaws because they were impractical. This should hopefully serve a better balance between a practical and idealistic concept. I can't seem to stop saying practical and idealistic in the same sentence.


In addition, there are now at least two competing proposals, and from my perspective, it would be far better if all of the proposals were reconciled into a compromise.
That's my hope. This resolution obviously incorporates a lot of Mousebumples ideas, will hopefully keep Kriovals interests fulfilled, and provides the internet system Nargopia wished for. Its also divided into easily referenceable sections so that it's simple to change and compromise without destroying the proposal outright. And, of course, it has my own plans and ideas, which are obviously superior to everyone elses, Bwahahahahaha! *strokes kitten*

All joking aside, I think this should do pretty well. Now to set up a puppet to introduce it.

I can't see any real flaws in this, so it's got my seal of approval.

Campaign sign-up sheet:

Nargopia
Mousebumples?

I do have one major question: are we going with this version or the version Mousebumples has written? I currently prefer Mousebumples's version because it covers all the bases while not getting too technical. Like Asshelmetta told me when I got too technical, less is more, and technicalities get resolutions from being approved. It's still something to consider, and I'm not convinced that we're at the "let's push [insert proposal version] right now" stage quite yet.

I do have one major question: are we going with this version or the version Mousebumples has written? I currently prefer Mousebumples's version because it covers all the bases while not getting too technical. Like Asshelmetta told me when I got too technical, less is more, and technicalities get resolutions from being approved. It's still something to consider, and I'm not convinced that we're at the "let's push [insert proposal version] right now" stage quite yet.
I agree that we're not at that stage yet, but I'm trying to get a decent-sized list of volunteers ahead of time so I'm not telegramming several hundred delegates by myself.

I agree that we're not at that stage yet, but I'm trying to get a decent-sized list of volunteers ahead of time so I'm not telegramming several hundred delegates by myself.
I should probably be able to get some of my region members to help out - depending on what their individual schedules are like when we need them. A lot of the MI nation leaders are full-time college students like myself, so there will be times when they don't have time to TG multiple UN delegates. Still, I'll pose the question to them, definitely.

And I don't know if you have a TG template that you use to contact delegates. The important things - for me personally - when I receive telegrams is that I get the name of the proposal and what page it is currently on. (preferably with a direct link to that page within frame, if possible) Of course, that kind of thing changes twice a day, I think, but I appreciate the little efforts that are made to make it easier for me to read and possibly approve a proposal. I do have a previous template that I'd be willing to share, if there's a need for it. :)

A U.N. resolution that can affect non-member nations... Sure, why not? I think that might actually work without violating game rules. In fact, it's a huge step forward.
Actually, it's been done before. I checked out the wording on a few different proposals before writing up my own. A lot of the "optional involvement and possible inclusion for non-UN members" stuff was loosely based off of the United Nations Space Consortium resolution (or whatever it was called, specifically). The region of Texas is known (by me anyhow) for being rather ... national soverignity-oriented, and I really liked how they evaded that obstacle. Allow nations to *choose* to accomplish something great while not forcing it on them. :)

The fully functional online library is fully functional. These clauses are for those who still want a physical library. The U.N. is not paying for shipping costs, which was a big flaw in my older proposal.
See, that wasn't clear to me in the resolution. From reading only what was written above, I thought that the online library was simply an "online card catalog" of sorts. This line in particular gave me that impression ...
A system showing the libraries current texts and allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from that stock.

I understand what you're saying *now*, and I can see how that is evident. However, to those who might not frequent this board and be able to see you comments and responses to debate, they might not catch on to that fact. Something to think about maybe?

They're shared equally, so each nation gets a bill proportionate to the number of libraries it has. The question I'm asking myself is "What are the international costs?".
Why does the number of libraries matter if the global library is internet based? Perhaps you could make it proportionate to the number of citizens, or the average daily bandwidth usage or something, but the number of physical libraries doesn't seem relevant. If that were the case, Mousebumples would simply not construct a library that was directly related to the global library in question and then never have to pay the bill(s) in question.

Also, the "international costs" is something that I pulled directly from your proposal writeup.
4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
...
E) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs shall be equally shared by such libraries.
I wasn't quite sure what you were referring to either, and that's probably something that should be addressed in more detail if you want to leave that wording in the proposal.

Answering this question seems to me to be a place where the resolution truly does get too detailed - once you start specifically defining a job, it gets tough to manage because you're singling out people (or creating a massive coalition). I believe the resolution is capable of simply declaring "It will be so", and the details are worked out after it passes. If you really want me to, I can mention a computer sorting system for making these decisions, since it would tie into section 3, clause B.
Not necessarily. Yes, I do feel that there are some details that you've already included in this proposal that are a bit ... superfluous. But I think that since this pertains directly to the operation of the individual libraries. Who is going to be deciding which texts the theoretical libraries of my nation will receive? I'd like to know, so I can be certain that they will be a fair judge of who should receive what.

Well, me and Krioval have had our differences, but I think the only point of his that I'm still not sure about is the Literary Museum. I'll be including it in the second draft so people can debate upon it.
I like the literary exchange/museum idea. However, I don't like it in the way that it's written up in this proposal. I don't feel that it's necessary in this version of your proposal, and I would recommend cutting the final portion you have written at the bottom of the proposal. That's largely because a lot of the physical library stuff is already written into this proposal - so much so that it almost seems to me as if that is the primary focus, rather than the secondary optional focus that you're now leading me to believe. (the library is internet based, as you said, with the physical structure being optional for those members who choose to build one, yes?)

If the physical structure plays such a large role in your proposal, especially with previous discussion on obtaining different texts and such - I'm not sure if an additional section on Krioval's museum idea is needed. It's more or less already been incorporated, I'd think. Then again, Krioval probably would have the best idea, towards that end, since (s)he best understands the idea anyhow. :) Perhaps some wording could be changed, somehow, in the final section to make the difference from the previous bit clearer?

Anyhow, I'm getting ready to rewrite my proposal once again, and I look forward to hearing what comments you have about my own, as per Krioval's suggestion. Hopefully between all of our ideas we can come up with one absolutely stellar final proposal. :D

OOC: I'm a "he", for those wondering. Further, you can typically tell the gender of my national representatives during RP by my blatant use of "lord" or "lady" as a prefix.

IC:

I just have a better "feel" of the Mousebumples proposal as it's currently written. Things are voluntary, there's an overarching committee that deals only with specific issues, the costs are constrained, and my museum is incorporated (well, it may very well be the tipping point between my choosing which proposal to push and which to avoid!). I continue to advocate for a lessening of technical detail where it's not necessary.

I just have a better "feel" of the Mousebumples proposal as it's currently written. Things are voluntary,

Same here. You don't have to designate a library, you don't have to have any physical structure save one to house a net server, and you don't have to pay attention to any of the shipping nonsense if you're fully into digital information.


there's an overarching committee that deals only with specific issues
,
Well, each nation has its own committee for final submissions to the network. I'm under the impression that an overarching committee would be too large and unweildy, but I can certainly put this in if people want it.
the costs are constrained

Same here.

and my museum is incorporated
Should be in the second draft.

I continue to advocate for a lessening of technical detail where it's not necessary.
Actually, I did my best to keep every clause as short and simple as possible, in addition to organizing them so that they're easy to read, understand, and (if necessary) remove. The entire resolution isn't actually that technically heavy, it just looks that way because of the organization. I wanted it to be impressive and formal without being confusing or digging too deep into any problems. The less I put in, the more U.N. member nations are free to decide what they wish about specific issues.

Pojonia, is Neraphim your puppet?

This resolution is *way* too detailed. That won't work, people will not approve it, and it won't pick up a lot of extra endorsements while being in the queue. As it stands, I prefer Mousebumples proposal.

I'll show what I'd take out:

RECALLING Resolution number 86, the Global Library, and its subsequent repeal,

REAFFIRMING the idealistic strength of the concept of a global repository for knowledge,

and RECOGNIZING the pragmatic weaknesses of a physical storage house for all the worlds knowledge,

HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Universal Library Network (or Coalition, whichever works better).

The Universal Library Network shall be established as follows:

1) Apportionment: All funds currently donated to The Global Library shall be reapportioned to the cause of establishing the Universal Library Network.

2) Designation: Any U.N. member nation may designate a library, newly constructed or old, as a part of the Network. This library must fulfill three requirements before being admitted into the Network:
A) It must have an Internet server capable of storing all relevant information and literature from the library, including daily news subscriptions and periodicals, Do this on a national level, not for each library
B) It must have competent, capable librarians to manage that information, and just assume that the librarians are capable
C) It must have free public access to any citizen of that nation.

3) Universal Library Network: Each designated library shall be connected via Internet to the others. Through this connection, librarians will establish
A) An online facility for storing scans of literature and information, allowing free access to all libraries in the network, and
B) A system showing the libraries current texts and allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from that stock. The library ordering shall pay the cost of shipping and any additional prices the library shipping will charge within reasonable limits. Under no circumstances is a library forced to ship texts that are rare, original, or in short supply.
Through this connections, facilities for storing and retrieving information from all connected libraries are established, as well as a system to borrow from other libraries against a reasonable fee and provided the library wants to ship the item.


4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
A) Librarians shall scan and upload any information they deem relevant or of literary merit to the Network. too logical
B) Librarians may edit or delete superfluous or inaccurate information on the Network provided at least 10 percent of such librarians believe it necessary and proper. I prefer the optional national filters from Mousebumple. Shorter and simpler
C) Librarians shall not censor information or literature unless it is proven of no literary or informational value. Conflicts with the above, remove.
D) Citizens may receive, but not upload, information from the Network, though they may submit information to the librarians for consideration.
(I’m considering a librarian code of conduct here, to ensure no serious problems) Can be said simpler and elsewhere
E) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs shall be equally shared by such libraries.

5) Additional Considerations and Provisions:
A) Donations of literature, subscriptions and money to the Network are accepted from any region, nation, or citizen.
B) Any excess funding shall be divided equally into two areas: the reduction of international costs and the purchase of new literature for libraries. That's the library's responsibility, not the global library's
C) Literature donated or purchased shall be provided to any library on request. Decisions on multiple claims of the same literature shall be based on that libraries current stock. A library with fewer texts will be considered before a larger library. ?
D) Any nation that wishes may pay an additional subscription fee based on the international costs and number of subscriptions (compiled monthly) to allow access to the Network from any Internet portal. Is this necessary?
E) A final team of librarians shall be hired by each member nation to ensure that information submitted by individual libraries is credible before submitting it into the network. Plenty of librarians already doing that job
E) Any member nation removing itself from the Network must donate their servers to another library. No way, they're my own servers!
(Literary Museum would go here, if we decide to do it) My opinion on the museum is known

6) Recommendations: To maintain a strong and useful network of information The U.N. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that
A) Each member nation designate at least one library as a part of the Universal Library Network,
B) Each nation should ensure that their librarians are well-paid and properly qualified, Are you a librarian, by any chance?
C) Each nation respect copyright laws and fair use agreements, and request permission from authors of a work if possible before submitting it into the network


The red parts can be shortend, changed or removed. You'll get a much better resolution then. Skip the detail, the nations can sort that out fine!

Pojonia, is Neraphim your puppet?

Nah, Neraphims me brother. Accidentally logged in as him. No, my puppet is, erm... well, rather obvious, now, I suppose.

This resolution is *way* too detailed. That won't work, people will not approve it, and it won't pick up a lot of extra endorsements while being in the queue. As it stands, I prefer Mousebumples proposal.

I'll show what I'd take out:

RECALLING Resolution number 86, the Global Library, and its subsequent repeal,

REAFFIRMING the idealistic strength of the concept of a global repository for knowledge,

and RECOGNIZING the pragmatic weaknesses of a physical storage house for all the worlds knowledge,

HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Universal Library Network (or Coalition, whichever works better).

The Universal Library Network shall be established as follows:

1) Apportionment: All funds currently donated to The Global Library shall be reapportioned to the cause of establishing the Universal Library Network.

2) Designation: Any U.N. member nation may designate a library, newly constructed or old, as a part of the Network. This library must fulfill three requirements before being admitted into the Network:
A) It must have an Internet server capable of storing all relevant information and literature from the library, including daily news subscriptions and periodicals, Do this on a national level, not for each library
B) It must have competent, capable librarians to manage that information, and just assume that the librarians are capable
C) It must have free public access to any citizen of that nation.

3) Universal Library Network: Each designated library shall be connected via Internet to the others. Through this connection, librarians will establish
A) An online facility for storing scans of literature and information, allowing free access to all libraries in the network, and
B) A system showing the libraries current texts and allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from that stock. The library ordering shall pay the cost of shipping and any additional prices the library shipping will charge within reasonable limits. Under no circumstances is a library forced to ship texts that are rare, original, or in short supply.
Through this connections, facilities for storing and retrieving information from all connected libraries are established, as well as a system to borrow from other libraries against a reasonable fee and provided the library wants to ship the item.


4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
A) Librarians shall scan and upload any information they deem relevant or of literary merit to the Network. too logical
B) Librarians may edit or delete superfluous or inaccurate information on the Network provided at least 10 percent of such librarians believe it necessary and proper. I prefer the optional national filters from Mousebumple. Shorter and simpler
C) Librarians shall not censor information or literature unless it is proven of no literary or informational value. Conflicts with the above, remove.
D) Citizens may receive, but not upload, information from the Network, though they may submit information to the librarians for consideration.
(I’m considering a librarian code of conduct here, to ensure no serious problems) Can be said simpler and elsewhere
E) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs shall be equally shared by such libraries.

5) Additional Considerations and Provisions:
A) Donations of literature, subscriptions and money to the Network are accepted from any region, nation, or citizen.
B) Any excess funding shall be divided equally into two areas: the reduction of international costs and the purchase of new literature for libraries. That's the library's responsibility, not the global library's
C) Literature donated or purchased shall be provided to any library on request. Decisions on multiple claims of the same literature shall be based on that libraries current stock. A library with fewer texts will be considered before a larger library. ?
D) Any nation that wishes may pay an additional subscription fee based on the international costs and number of subscriptions (compiled monthly) to allow access to the Network from any Internet portal. Is this necessary?
E) A final team of librarians shall be hired by each member nation to ensure that information submitted by individual libraries is credible before submitting it into the network. Plenty of librarians already doing that job
E) Any member nation removing itself from the Network must donate their servers to another library. No way, they're my own servers!
(Literary Museum would go here, if we decide to do it) My opinion on the museum is known

6) Recommendations: To maintain a strong and useful network of information The U.N. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that
A) Each member nation designate at least one library as a part of the Universal Library Network,
B) Each nation should ensure that their librarians are well-paid and properly qualified, Are you a librarian, by any chance?
C) Each nation respect copyright laws and fair use agreements, and request permission from authors of a work if possible before submitting it into the network


The red parts can be shortend, changed or removed. You'll get a much better resolution then. Skip the detail, the nations can sort that out fine!

Hmm. That's... about the entire resolution. You zapped all of its critical functions such as the Internet library in addition to the superfluous bits. I'll look at shortening it and moving the filters up to a national level, but there's no way I'm taking all of that out.

And, no, I'm not a librarian, although I have much respect for the trade. Also, an underpaid librarian is more likely to submit newstexts saying that he is the supreme dictator of a nation or pieces of literature slightly altered to include the word "spam" several hundred times. Besides, it's only a recommendation.

Also, declaring the library against censorship is not contradictory to taking out information and literature that has no value.

Second draft is up! I've streamlined it as best I could, eliminated erroneous details and left only one clause for international costs, which are probably nonexistent anyways. Stole Mousebumples resolutionary references and cut them just a tad so as not to lose the flow, fixed a tremendous amount of what you guys suggested, and added the Literary Museum in the simplest form I could manage (Perhaps it might be necessary to see what kind of support there is for the Literary Museum, I love the idea but there's definite opposal). I'm still not going to cut it nearly as much as Groot suggested, as abstraction was a HUGE problem with the old resolution. This should hopefully cut the balance between being easy to understand and covering all our bases.

The United Nations,

RECALLING Resolution number 86, the Global Library, and its subsequent repeal,

NOTING previous resolutions passed for the purpose of furthering education worldwide (#3 - Education for All, #28 - Free Education, #54 - UN Educational Committee, #79 - Reformed Literacy Initiative)

REAFFIRMING the idealistic strength of the concept of a global repository for knowledge,

and RECOGNIZING the pragmatic weaknesses of a physical storage house for all the worlds knowledge,

HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Universal Library Network (or Coalition, whichever works better).

The Universal Library Network shall be established as follows:

1) Apportionment: All funds currently donated to The Global Library shall be reapportioned to the cause of establishing the Universal Library Network.

2) Designation: Any nation may designate a library, newly constructed or old, as a part of the Network. This library must fulfill three requirements before being admitted into the Network:
A) It must be capable of storing all relevant information and literature from the library on a national server,
B) It must have competent, capable librarians to manage that information, and
C) It must have free public access to any citizen of that nation.

3) Universal Library Network: Each designated library shall be connected via Internet to the others. Through this connection, librarians will establish
A) An online facility for storing and retrieving literature and information, allowing free access to all libraries in the network, and
B) A system allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from each others stock at a reasonable fee. The library ordering shall pay the cost of shipping and any additional prices. Under no circumstances is a library required to ship texts that are rare, original, or in short supply.

4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
A) Librarians shall scan and upload any information they deem relevant or of literary merit to the Network.
B) Librarians shall not censor information or literature unless it is proven of no literary or informational value.
C) Citizens may receive, but not upload, information from the Network, though they may submit information to the librarians for consideration.
D) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs that occur shall be equally shared by such libraries.

5) Additional Considerations and Provisions:
A) Donations of literature, subscriptions and money to the Network are accepted from any region, nation, or citizen.
B) Any excess funding shall be placed into the purchase of new literature for the network.
C) Literature donated or purchased shall be provided to any library on request. Decisions on multiple claims of the same literature shall be based on the claimants current need, and will be sorted by the Network system established in Section 3, clause B.
D) Any nation that wishes may allow access to the Network from Internet portals within their nation.
E) Each member nation may ensure that information submitted by individual libraries is credible before submitting it into the network.
F) Any nation removing itself from the Network must donate their servers to another library or permit a back-up copy of that servers information to be moved.
G) U.N. members who wish to help fund their libraries through the project may submit any rare, ancient or historical works to the network with a schedule to display them within museums in other member nations. They may also determine admission fees to see such works, to be paid equally amongst the donators and the displaying museums. The works will return to their originating countries within a maximum of twenty-four months. Curators will be provided to ensure that the works are well protected, who shall be paid for by the displaying museums.

6) Recommendations: To maintain a strong and useful network of information, the U.N. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that
A) Each member nation designate at least one library as a part of the Universal Library Network,
B) Each nation ensure that their librarians are well-paid and properly qualified, and
C) Each nation respect copyright laws and fair use agreements, and request permission from authors of a work if possible before submitting it into the network.

Few quick updates: Added a quick bit to Section 5, Clause D to put content filters in for nations, stolen from Mousebumples, and also put in two periods where needed. Current draft is first page. And, since I apparently started a new page, here:

The Global Library Network

Category: Social Justice
Strength: Significant

The United Nations,

RECALLING Resolution number 86, the Global Library, and its subsequent repeal,

NOTING previous resolutions passed for the purpose of furthering education worldwide (#3 - Education for All, #28 - Free Education, #54 - UN Educational Committee, #79 - Reformed Literacy Initiative)

REAFFIRMING the idealistic strength of the concept of a global repository for knowledge,

and RECOGNIZING the pragmatic weaknesses of a physical storage house for all the worlds knowledge,

HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Universal Library Network.

The Universal Library Network shall be established as follows:

1) Apportionment: All funds currently donated to The Global Library shall be reapportioned to the cause of establishing the Universal Library Network.

2) Designation: Any nation may designate a library, newly constructed or old, as a part of the Network. This library must fulfill three requirements before being admitted into the Network:
A) It must be capable of storing all relevant information and literature from the library on a national server,
B) It must have competent, capable librarians to manage that information, and
C) It must have free public access to any citizen of that nation.

3) Universal Library Network: Each designated library shall be connected via Internet to the others. Through this connection, librarians will establish
A) An online facility for storing and retrieving literature and information, allowing free access to all libraries in the network, and
B) A system allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from each others stock at a reasonable fee. The library ordering shall pay the cost of shipping and any additional prices *. Under no circumstances is a library required to ship texts that are rare, original, or in short supply.

4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
A) Librarians shall scan and upload any information they deem relevant or of literary merit to the Network.
*
B) Librarians shall not censor information or literature unless it is proven of no literary or informational value.
C) Citizens may receive, but not upload, information from the Network, though they may submit information to the librarians for consideration.
D) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs that occur shall be equally shared by such libraries.

5) Additional Considerations and Provisions:
A) Donations of literature, subscriptions and money to the Network are accepted from any region, nation, or citizen.
B) Any excess funding shall be placed into the purchase of new literature for the Network.
C) Literature donated or purchased shall be provided to any library on request. Decisions on multiple claims of the same literature shall be based on the claimants current need, and will be sorted by the Network system established in Section 3, clause B.
D) Any nation that wishes may * allow access to the Network from Internet portals within their nation. Member nations will have the option to provide content filters for their citizenry.
E) Each member nation may ensure that information submitted by individual libraries is credible before submitting it into the network.
F) Any nation removing itself from the Network must donate their servers to another library or permit a back-up copy of that servers information to be moved.
G) U.N. members who wish to help fund their libraries through the project may submit any rare, ancient or historical works to the network with a schedule to display them within museums in other member nations. They may also determine admission fees to see such works, to be paid equally amongst the donators and the displaying museums. The works will return to their originating countries within a maximum of twenty-four months. Curators will be provided to ensure that the works are well protected, who shall be paid for by the displaying museums.

6) Recommendations: To maintain a strong and useful network of information, the U.N. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that
A) Each member nation designate at least one library as a part of the Universal Library Network,
B) Each nation ensure that their librarians are well-paid and properly qualified, and
C) Each nation respect copyright laws and fair use agreements, and request permission from authors of a work if possible before submitting it into the Network.

Italics are new phrases and changes, * indicates a cut, and underline indicates something I'm still ironing out. I may have missed a few spots, but I think that about covers what I did.

Krioval, what say you to making the Museum portion a section all of its own? Something like this:
6) Additional Funding (Literary Museum): U.N. members who wish to help fund their libraries through the project may submit any rare, ancient or historical works to the Network with a schedule to display them within museums belonging to other member nations. They may also determine admission fees to see such works, to be paid equally amongst the donators and the displaying museums. The works will return to their originating countries within a maximum of twenty-four months. Curators will be provided to ensure that the works are well protected, who shall be paid for by the displaying museums.

Also, since this is your idea, feel free to change the wording around as you wish. Just don't expand it too much, I'm trying to condense this as best I can.

Though I had to go elsewhere to get actual criticism for this proposal, I've nonetheless found some and present to you the third draft. This is the first foray into a compulsory resolution, but not necessarily the last. It's also beginning to seperate from Mousebumples plan so as to establish its own unique identity. And there's more copyright stuff, whee!

The Global Library Network

Category: Furtherment of Democracy
Strength: Significant

The United Nations,

RECALLING Resolution number 86, the Global Library, and its subsequent repeal,

NOTING previous resolutions passed for the purpose of furthering education worldwide (#3 - Education for All, #28 - Free Education, #54 - UN Educational Committee, #79 - Reformed Literacy Initiative)

REAFFIRMING the idealistic strength of the concept of a global repository for knowledge,

and RECOGNIZING the pragmatic weaknesses of a physical storage house for all the worlds knowledge,

HEREBY ESTABLISHES the Universal Library Network.

The Universal Library Network shall be established as follows:

1) Apportionment: All funds currently donated to The Global Library shall be reapportioned to the cause of establishing the Universal Library Network.

2) Designation: Each nation with the technology and economy available to do so must designate a library, newly constructed or old, as a part of the Network. This library must fulfill three requirements before being designated:
A) It must be capable of storing relevant information and literature regarding the nations history and culture from the library on a national server,
B) It must have competent, capable librarians to manage that information, and
C) It must have free public access to any citizen of that nation.
In the establishment of such libraries, special considerations will be taken for economically struggling nations.

3) Universal Library Network: Each designated library shall be connected via Internet to the others. Through this connection, librarians will establish
A) An online facility for storing and retrieving literature and information, allowing free access to all libraries in the network, and
B) A system allowing for other libraries to order or borrow from each others stock at a reasonable fee. Under no circumstances is a library required to ship texts that are rare, original, or in short supply, nor is it required to ship a text over a large distance.

4) Rules and Regulations: Each library must follow the following guidelines:
A) Librarians shall scan and upload any information they deem relevant or of literary merit to the Network under the restrictions of Resolution 45, International Copyright/Patent Law.
B) Librarians shall not censor information or literature unless it is proven of no literary or informational value.
C) Citizens may receive, but not upload, information from the Network, though they may submit information to the librarians for consideration.
D) All libraries shall be funded by their member nations, and any international costs that occur shall be equally shared by such libraries.

5) Additional Considerations and Provisions:
A) Donations of literature, subscriptions and money to the Network are accepted from any region, nation, or citizen.
B) Any excess funding shall be placed into the purchase of new literature for the Network.
C) Literature donated or purchased shall be provided to any library on request. Decisions on multiple claims of the same literature shall be based on the claimants current need, and will be sorted by the Network system established in Section 3, clause B.
D) Any nation that wishes may allow access to the Network from Internet portals within their nation at no additional cost. Member nations will have the option to provide content filters for their citizenry.
E) Each member nation may ensure that information submitted by individual libraries is credible before submitting it into the network.

6) The U.N. Literary Museum.
U.N. members who wish to help fund their libraries through the project may cooperate with nations as a part of the U.N. Literary Museum. These nations may submit any rare, ancient or historical works to the network with a schedule to display them within participating museums outside of their country. They may also determine admission fees to see such works, to be paid equally amongst the donators and the displaying museums. The works will return to their originating countries within a maximum of twenty-four months. Curators will be provided to ensure that the works are well protected, who shall be paid for by the displaying museums.

7) Recommendations: To maintain a strong and useful network of information, the U.N. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES that
A) Each nation ensure that their librarians are well-paid and properly qualified,
B) Each nation respect their own fair use agreements in addition to resolution 45, and request permission from authors of a work if possible before submitting it into the network,
C) Any nation removing itself from the U.N. permit a back-up copy of that servers information to be created in another member nation,
D) U.N. members demonstrate goodwill by lending assistance or equipment to economically struggling nations for the establishment of their libraries.