We investigated whether American dissertations that were deposited in university libraries or disseminated on microfilm prior to 1978 were "published" for copyright purposes. This question has direct bearing on the copyright status of these works today. In the absence of a directly relevant legal decision to clarify the matter, the…

Includes the pertinent sections of the current copyright revision bill. (PF)

Presents a series of library- and legal-related perspectives on video copyright, and then delineates strategies for clarifying the copyright law for both copyright holders and users. (CB)

Copyright law and related problems are reviewed historically and specific methods for dealing with it in Great Britain are discussed. Emphasized are ways for handling photocopying for educational and research purposes. (LBH)

Examines legal issues important to the library and information sector of the European Union. Discusses European Commission directives on length of copyright term, software, renting and lending, and database copyright. Reports on the Magill case on copyright in, and abuse of dominant position by, the copyright owners of television listings.…

The issue of library photocopying of copyrighted materials is examined from a historical perspective and with reference to proposed legislative revisions including the establishment of a compulsory licensing for reproduction. The author proposes that publishers be awarded compensation from the federal government for granting educational use of…

Discusses objections in the library community to the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA), a legal framework being considered by state governments regarding computer information, transactions, and software. Topics include copyright issues; user needs for access to information; license agreements; and costs that may prevent…

This booklet is an attempt to provide librarians with a short summary of the arguments in favor of library photocopying, combined with a status report on how these arguments have fared in the courts and in the United States Congress. Following an analysis of the issues involved, the case of Williams and Wilkins v. the United States is discussed,…

Reviews definitions and the scope, history, technological capabilities, and other significant issues of electronic publishing. Advantages and disadvantages of electronic publishing are compared to those of traditional publishing, and possible future impacts of electronic publishing on books and libraries are considered. (CDD)

This digest notes that the terms and conditions of computer software package license agreements control the use of software in schools and libraries, and examines the implications of computer software license agreements for classroom use and for library lending policies. Guidelines are provided for interpreting the Copyright Act, and insuring the…

Summarizes recent developments in copyright law, with a focus on their consequences for users in colleges, universities, and libraries. Highlights include the concept of fair use; library reproduction rights; recent court cases and legislation; and future copyright concerns, including fair use of computer software and electronic text, and license…

Examines paparazzi and copyright law, regulation of the Internet, the European Union Database Directive and U.S. efforts to change database laws, Tasini v. The New York Times, freedom of information and access to public sector information, company law and e-mail messages, electronic commerce, cryptography export controls, domain names and trade…

Much of the concern among librarians and educators as to the legality of library lending and classroom use of copyrighted videotapes is the result of "Home Use Only" labeling and other information supplied by the Motion Picture Association of America and some of its members. Much of this labeling and information is misleading and…

THE RESEARCH IN THIS REPORT IS CONCERNED WITH TWO AREAS--(1) STUDY OF THE COPYRIGHT PRACTICES OF LIBRARY ADMINISTRATORS RESPONSIBLE FOR PHOTODUPLICATION SERVICES AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE "FAIR USE" ASPECT OF COPYRIGHT LAW IN PROVIDING SERVICE TO THEIR CLIENTS, AS WELL AS A STUDY OF WHAT FEDERAL STATUTE AND CASE LAW ACTUALLY…