The purpose of this report is twofold: first, to introduce the field of digital forensics to professionals in the cultural heritage sector; and second, to explore some particular points of convergence between the interests of those charged with collecting and maintaining born-digital cultural heritage materials and those charged with collecting…

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)

People need access to precise information about their rights and the ways of retaining these rights. Librarians can perform a valuable service to their patrons and to the democracy of our country by providing the people with the necessary materials and information concerning their rights. (NH)

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)

Examines the law for libraries, i.e. potential risks and liabilities of regulating, or not regulating, Internet access and use. Discusses the Communications Decency Act, use of filtering software, Internet policies, liability under local criminal statutes, ordinances for disseminating child pornography, obscene material, and hostile work…

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…

The results of the first attempt at a comprehensive survey to identify and document interlibrary cooperation activities in each of the 50 states and United States territories are reported. Compiled by the Interlibrary Cooperation Subcommittee of the Association of State Library Agencies, the report is arranged by state and territory. It contains…

The objectives of the Wisconsin Task Force on Interlibrary Cooperation and Resource Sharing included gathering information on the current status and apparent trends in interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing in Wisconsin and elsewhere, identifying gaps and problems to be dealt with in planning, and making recommendations for future…