The framework of the publishing industry is distorted since a substantial part is government owned, yet there is no coherent policy for the industry and publishing associations provide no leadership. (Author/MBR)

The legislative history of the new copyright law is reviewed and comparisons are made with earlier drafts regarding duration of copyright, works protected, exclusive rights in general, performing and broadcasting rights, compulsory licensing, fair use and photocopying, transfers, and manufacturing requirements. Available from: New York Law School,…

Provisions of the new law cover many issues important to educators, including rights for videotaping TV programs off the air, showing films, copying material for interlibrary loan, performing dramatic or musical works, and especially duplicating printed material for classroom use. The new guidelines are explained briefly. (LBH)

Explains the concept of Public Lending Right (PLR), which provides for payments to authors based on the circulation of their books by public libraries, and describes the British experience with PLR since 1979. Issues involved in PLR and the possibility of its adoption in the United States are also discussed. (MES)

Explains United States copyright law as it concerns the use of photocopies, audiovisual materials, and computer software, with emphasis on new technologies, the gray areas in knowledge about copyrights. (SKC)

Answers questions on software copyright pertaining to teacher/media specialist responsibilities, use of purchased and leased software, backup copies, public domain software, warranties, defective goods, and software lending policies. Information on an existing public domain software-exchange program and a policy statement of International Council…

A discussion of faculty photocopying of copyrighted course materials criticizes the overuse of the practice, outlines the fair-use provisions of the federal law, and reviews the results of a 1983 lawsuit involving New York University. (MSE)

The text of the EDUCOM statement on software and intellectual rights that educators are being urged to adopt on campus is presented and discussed. (MSE)

Criteria for software resource centers drafted by the International Council for Computers in Education focus on the responsibilities of: (1) centers, which should serve as links between publishers and educators; (2) software publishers, who should assist educators in previewing instructional software before purchase; and (3) schools, which should…

Discusses downloading of data from databases using microcomputers and mass storage technologies as it relates to copyright laws and legal implications. Topics covered include a definition of copyright; original works; collective works and compilations; fair use; downloading by libraries; court bases; and resolution of uncertainty surrounding…

Discusses five-year review of the issue of library reproduction of copyrighted works mandated by Section 108(i) of Copyright Act of 1976. Highlights include preparation for Register's report (advisory committee, hearings, King Research report, librarian/copyright proprietor meetings); findings; and recommendations (voluntary agreements and…

This review of sections of copyright laws most relevant to media librarians covers requirements of authors, sole rights of copyright owners, fair use and other exceptions to sole rights, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) case, the Sony case, exempt public performances, and computer software. Twenty-nine references are provided.…

Describes a community college's process of choosing good educational software. Elements include the college's own software catalog, statewide vocational curriculum laboratory, catalogs from established publishers, and the state software clearinghouse. The author then discusses software reviews and the questions that are asked concerning preview…

This discussion of the 1976 Copyright Law highlights the librarian's responsibility, guidelines for interlibrary loan copying published by National Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works (CONTU) and the American Library Association Interlibrary Loan Committee, and nonprint materials and copyright. Thirteen references and an…

The impact of the new copyright law, Public Law 94-553, on educational practices and policies is discussed. Areas covered include photocopying, microcopying, phonorecords, computer use, television, radio, and wire service, including CATV. (LBH)