Copyright is extremely complex, and it is difficult to convey its complexities in a clear and concise form. Through decades of experience, archivists developed informal best practices for dealing with copyright in the analog world; however the application of copyright in the digital environment is evolving in response to rapidly changing…

Campus librarians play a central role in conversations revolving around copyright compliance. The sheer volume of information provided within library physical and virtual spaces affirms the role libraries play in current copyright debates. Regardless of the function of librarians on any particular campus, it is important to confront the myriad of…

School librarians and educators have specific copyright questions that are often glossed over in larger books on the subject. Now, thanks to best-selling copyright authority Carrie Russell, there's a resource just for them, offering clear guidance for providing materials to students while carefully observing copyright law. Using whimsical…

A discussion and summary of landmark court cases involving the fair use clause of copyright law provide numerous guidelines that encourage legitimate fair use of copyrighted materials. Emphasizes implications for librarians and others within higher education. (Author/LRW)

Discusses copyright law and its effect on libraries' ability to provide equal and timely access to information. Highlights include fair use, publishers' revenue-based approach to copyright, copying guidelines for librarians, copyright use fees and the cost of access, and a hypothetical index of copyright access fees for journal articles. Contains…

"Reserves" are defined as selected writings made available to individual and successive students for educational purposes, subject to sharp time limitations and, usually, to restrictions on physical removal from the library premises. The Library Photocopying and Fair Use sections of the copyright law are discussed in this regard. (LBH)

Discusses the use of copyright notices in libraries on reproducing equipment, including photocopiers, computer printers, videocassette recorders, and audiotape recorders; and presents guidelines to determine what works are in the public domain in the United States and the United Kingdom. A sidebar describes a new library copyright guide. (LRW)

This set of guidelines, for audiovisual and multimedia materials in libraries of all kinds and other appropriate institutions, is the product of many years of consultation and collaborative effort. As early as 1972, The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Public Library Manifesto had stressed the need for…

Discusses the nature of the problems involved in setting up software libraries including cataloging, diagnostic test routine filing, language standards, the transfer of programs from one system to another, and modes of operation. Experiences of the Scottish Microelectronics Development Programme in their effort to establish a national software…

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…

Investigated centralized copyright clearance services in higher education institutions based on the findings of a questionnaire survey and five case study interviews in United Kingdom libraries. Examines reasons why services were established, how they were funded and staffed, their overall remit, problems, and good practice guidelines. (Author/LRW)

This document examines some of the questions concerning copyright law and the educational use of equipment that can easily duplicate, store, and transmit instructional materials. It is argued that a delicate balance must be achieved between protection for copyright holders and access for educational purposes to audiovisual works, music, computer…

The International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) announced that Dutch scientific and German special libraries adopted electronic licensing guidelines. Emphasizes consortia and the need for libraries to stick together. Discusses general principles; access and use; storage, formats and integration; services and costs; information and use;…

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…