Designed to provide guidance for librarians, this publication expresses the opinion of the legal counsel of the American Library Association (ALA) regarding library and classroom use of copyrighted videotapes and computer programs. A discussion of videotapes considers the impact of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 on in-classroom use, in-library…

Section 108 of the Copyright Act of 1976, Title 17 of the United States Code, spells out conditions under which libraries may photocopy copyrighted works without infringing the rights of their owners. Section 108(i) directs the Register of Copyrights to prepare and file a report every 5 years setting forth the extent to which this section has…

This pullout guide addresses issues regarding library use of copyrighted videotapes and computer software. Guidelines for videotapes cover in-classroom use, in-library use in public library, loan, and duplication. Guidelines for computer software cover purchase conditions, avoiding license restrictions, loaning, archival copies, and in-library and…

Guidelines for the fair use of videotapes and computer software in library and classroom situations under the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 cover the areas of reproduction, adaptation, distribution, public performance, and display. Several hypothetical situations are presented to explain the legal responsibility of the library. (CLB)

Since public libraries contain copyrighted works in the form of print, electronic or audiovisual sources, librarians and library paraprofessionals need to possess sufficient knowledge of United States copyright law to meet the information needs of patrons successfully and legally. A literature review revealed that minimal works address this topic.…