A major problem area under the 1976 Copyright Act that needs clarification, if not revision, concerns the use of photocopied copyrighted materials in classrooms. (Author/MLF)

Based on a recent lawsuit involving Kinko's Graphics custom-made anthologies resembling university print shop copies, this article examines three liability questions pertaining to the copyright law's fair use standards and accompanying classroom guidelines. Basically, individual teachers must desist from assembling these anthologies without…

This discussion of the impact of copyright laws and regulations on universal availability of publications examines the historical and conceptual foundations of copyright as it has developed in Europe, with special emphasis on the current copyright laws of the Nordic countries. A detailed analysis of the provisions of these laws is used to…

Discussed are the major features of a Model Licensing Agreement to be used by museums in any commercial reproduction venture. They include rights and obligations of the respective parties, maintenance of quality control, payment of royalties, arbitration, and termination provisions. The Model Licensing Agreement is appended. (JMD)

The limited extent to which the new copyright act altered performers' rights is examined with emphasis on the broadened provisions that preempt the state law remedies available to performers. The arguments concerning revision of the present law to expand performers' rights are considered and it is argued that the case for greater protection is a…

The product of a detailed study of university copyright policies in Association of Research (ARL) Libraries, this System and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) flyer/kit approaches copyright use and ownership policies from the viewpoint of university administrations as well as libraries. A brief introduction discusses policies on use and ownership…

Current developments in both the civil and criminal law as they relate to the hobby of film collecting are analyzed. The first-sale doctrine, court cases involving copyrights of films, and the role of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in confiscating films on behalf of the Film Security Office of the Motion Picture Association of America are…

The House Committee on the Judiciary reports favorably on a proposed amendment to a bill (H.R. 4412) to amend Title 17 of the U.S. Code relating to fair use of copyrighted works. The committee recommends passage of the bill to the effect that Section 107 of Title 17 be amended by adding at the end the following: "The fact that a work is…

Comments on court cases dealing with copyrighted materials of special interest to librarians highlight Williams and Wilkins case, Sony case dealing with videocopying, computer programs and databases, government and legal materials in public domain, musical works, and four factors of Section 107 (fair use) of 1976 Copyright Law. (109 references)…

Chaska High School (Minnesota) established a firm district policy to prevent unauthorized, illegal duplication of computer software by teachers and students. The policy's success depends on an ethics re-education program for users, increased funding for software, and a preview library for teachers. (MLH)

The implications of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 for the use of videotapes in the classroom is examined in light of the recent marketing of home videotaping units. Universal Studios vs Sony Corp. is discussed, along with problems that are left unresolved by the new copyright act. (BH)