Research Paper on:
Anne Wells Branscomb's Who Owns Information

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
The management of information has become considerably more complex in the last few generations. The miracles of modern technology have resulted in easy access to all  types of information which at one time were accessible only to a few privileged individuals. In todays economically driven environment our private information is often even viewed as a  commodity and sold to the highest bidder. Everything from our social security numbers, to our phone numbers, to our medical records are at risk. Some is even open  in many cases to the prying eyes of the public. The topic of information privacy and ownership is one which is no more adequately addressed than by author Anne  Wells Branscomb in "Who Owns Information? From Privacy to Public Access". Branscomb (1995) effectively addresses the evolutionary trend toward information marketing and public access to information. She also  presents several recommendations as to what provisions should be put in place to ensure information privacy. The amount of information which is available  in todays environment is astounding to say the least. Our drive to make this information easily available (and even to profit in some manner from its existence) is counterbalanced,  however, by our desire to keep some information private. Branscomb (1995) views information as the lifeblood that sustains political, social, and business decisions. She also recognizes, however, that  much of the information which is now easily available is extremely private in its nature. Unfortunately, the technological innovations which have made information an easily processed commodity has outpaced  our legislative environment in terms of provisions to keep certain information private or to at least control its flow. Branscomb (1995) is not only understanding but supportive of our