----------------------------Original message---------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GIS Data Symposium To Be Held at Penn State University Park, PA -- Digital Spatial Data Infrastructure: Balancing Public Access and Economic Realities, a one-day symposium on issues relating to the access of Geographic Information System (GIS) data, will be held at the Penn State Scanticon Conference Center Hotel on October 2, 1995. As local governments expand the development of GIS data and spend millions of dollars to create databases that will contain detailed information about culture, infrastructure, and other resources, debate has arisen over whether this information will be accessible free of charge under open-record laws or will be available through fees only. The symposium will bring together leaders from business, government, libraries, and academia to discuss issues and policies relating to the access of GIS data. Those seeking additional information about the symposium should contact Todd Bacastow or Melissa Lamont, University Libraries, The Pennsylvania State University, Telephone: (814) 865-0141 or (814) 865-0139. To register for the conference, contact Chuck Herd, Conference Planner, The Pennsylvania State University, Edwards Building, University Park, PA 16801-2765, Telephone: (814) 863-1738, Fax: (814) 865-3749. Registration forms should be received by September 22, 1995. ***mba***