<nni.
Wednesday September 6, 1995 Vol. CXXVI, No. 4
Headlines
USC star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson addressed the NCAA investigations concerning himself, along with other college football topics at Tuesday's press luncheon.
Sports, page 24
Ethereal sounds of the theremin
Beach Boy Brian Wilson loves the theremin -- it's those good vibrations. The mysterious instrument has spawned "Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey," a documentary of musical genius.
Diversions, page 9
Confessions from cyberspace
Editorial columnist Krysten Fikes, the self-described "poster child for computer illiteracy," offers us her vision of a future completely dominated by the ubiquitous computer,
Viewpoint, page 4
Opportunities for involvement
Meet your student senators at the Student Senate Open Mouse beginning at 5:30 p.m. today in the Student Senate office,
Student Union Room 126. Everyone is welcome to attend, either to find opportunities for involvement in the Student Senate or to simply meet the elected leaders of the university student body. For more information, call the Student Office at (213) 740-5620.
• • •
Look for the many university clubs and organizations at today's Activities Fair in Alumni Park from noon to 2 p.m. Take the opportunity to meet the student leaders of this university, as well as to become involved with the several diverse clubs and organizations available,
For more information, contact Laurie Beyl, Assistant Director at the Office of Orientation Programs at (213)740-7767.
Newspaper of the University of Southern California
Troy Witt/Daily Trojan
World War II veteran Griff Griffin salutes as part of the VJ-Day memorial parade through campus September 2.
Cinema library restricts access
New rules allow film viewing for class use only
By Esther Ramirios
Staff Writer
Non-cinema students will no longer have access to watching a movie at their leisure at the Cinema-Television Library due to a possible violation of a copyright law, said Steve Flanson, head librarian.
During the summer, the library began to restrict the use of video and laser disc equipment to those students not enrolled in cinema classes or classes requiring use of the Cinema Library. The change was made after a Twentieth Century Fox legal representative visited the library and expressed concern that students might be misusing the library to watch movies for their personal benefit only.
It is against copyright law to allow public viewing of any movie unless in hospitals, classrooms, or places of instruction.
The library is currently trying to figure out a way to legally define itself as a "place of instruction" so that other students may have access to the
equipment, Hanson said.
Every time a student comes in to watch movies leisurely, the library is placed in direct competition with movie theaters and rental places, he said.
The purpose of the change is to restrict recreational movie viewing so that the university doesn't face charges.
If students wish to use the video and laser disc equipment, they are now required to show the person at the check-out desk a copy of their class syllabus. Any students who fail to show proof that the viewing is class-related will not be allowed to use the equipment.
"Because cinema students pay class fees, they should have priority on the monitors," said Tony Leahy, a senior in filmic writing. "Then, if there's room for people who aren't in here for class purposes, they should have access to the monitors." Other students agree that the library has good intentions by imposing the restriction, but argue that leisurely film viewing can benefit students greatly.
"I've gone to the library in the past to watch films and plays that have helped me improve my acting techniques and skills," said William Vogt, a sophomore majoring in theatre. "It's been both entertaining and useful. It's (See Library, page 3)
USCard: New and improved, again
By Jennifer Hamm
Staff Writer
In its third attempt to make a new and improved student card in the past four years, USCard Services has introduced a new card this fall, made of stronger material and featuring computerized photos.
"The vision is to be the most forward of all university debit cards," said Bernie Mereno, operations administrator for USCard Services.
The new USCard, which is made of credit card material, comes from a company called Datacard, also the makers of Citibank Visa cards.
The card is more durable than past cards, which had a history of losing their lamination
after too many swipes, said Tim Kerne, director of USCard Services.
"This card can take 150,000 swipes," he said. "Our high estimates say that a student will swipe (his or her) card 40,000 times while they are a student here."
The card has a new magnetic strip on the back with high-coercivity, much like a California driver's license. Previous cards had low-coercivity, like an ATM card.
The new computerized photos, Kerne said, have a better image quality than photos of the past.
Departments including the Department of Public Safety and the Cashier's Office will have access to the images.
"This access to an on-line database is ... what makes the USC system better," Kerne
said.
In the background of the card, a picture of Tommy Trojan is marbleized.
"This was done so a photo copy will... be virtually impossible to duplicate the card," Kerne said.
The card, which cost approximately $25,000, is also being praised for its attractiveness.
"It looks like it's not going to come apart, kind of like a credit card, and has the USC emblem on it," said Becky Montani*) a sophomore majoring in international relations.
USCard is working to increase the number of services the new system offers, Kerne said.
"There is a need to pay for goods and services on campus with USCard," Kerne said.
(Sec USCard, page 3)
Overhaul technologizes Taper
By Elba Solano
Staff Writer
On-line teaching and computerized curriculum capabilities are a couple of the hidden improvements that were made during the renovation project this summer in Taper Half.
Taper Hall of Humanities received extensive upgrades to first floor classrooms and auditorium spaces. The improvements consist of new lighting, paint, ceilings, floor finishes, furniture, and chalkboards, said Gordon Park, University architect and director of Planning, Design and Construction.
Construction work in Taper
Hall was mostly complete as of last Wednesday, in time for the first day of classes. Most of the other repairs, all of which were minor, will be completed by mid-September.
Technologically, however, the renovations mean much more.
"All remodeled areas have been equipped with a network of conduit that will allow for future telecommunications and data connectivity between classrooms and with the world beyond," Park said.
A media center, fully equipped with special tables and chairs for convenient use of portable computers, has also been added to Taper Hall.
Also, next semester, instructors will be able to make a presentation from the front console using a computer in combination with video, CD or a variety of other media equipment.
Both auditoriums in Taper can be set up for video recording of presentations, video projection, audio systems and hearing assisted systems for the hearing impaired. Room 101 also allows for videoconferencing.
"Provisions were also made for future teaching technology cabling through the development of a technology wall for each remodeled classntom and auditorium space," said Park.
(Ser Technology, page 2)
Troy Witt/Oaily Trojan
Taper Hall of Humanities 101