Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
COPYRIGHT ANSWERS- for the information professional -
Special Library Association
Denver, June 6, 2007
Lesley Ellen Harris
No Answers
Each situation is unique
Applying Copyright
• Copyright law is interpretative, not exact
• Many gray areas
• Copyright risk management
Be Proactive
Know Your Copyright Uses
• Do you frequently photocopy materials for in-house seminars?
• Are your licensed electronic databases used in your offices around the world?
• What is your standard procedure for obtaining permissions to use content of others?
Sensitize Senior Management
• Users of copyright materials must look at compliance as an integral part of their goals
• A copyright owner could stop you from using a work
• Pay $$ to copyright owner• Pay attorney fees and costs of law suit• Your organization may be seen as unethical
Who is Liable?
• Everyone who contributes to the copyright infringement may be liable
• That includes your organization/employer, other employees, and you personally
• It may even include customers who use content you send them
Learn Principles
• Fair use
• Role of licenses and CCC
• Compliance procedures
Coordinated Efforts to Comply
• Complying with copyright law is an organization-wide issue
• A librarian or other person cannot single handedly ensure compliance
• Tools are needed to help ensure copyright compliance
Tools
1. Copyright compliance policy
2. Copyright education program
3. Copyright officer
4. Resources
5. Copyright lawyer
Copyright Compliance Policy
• Written policy, which is regularly updated
• Widely distributed and discussed
• Include purpose statement, basics on copyright
• Practical answers to re-occurring copyright questions
Education
• Written publications (such as copyright compliance policy)
• In-person and online courses
• Internal discussions and guest speakers
Summary
• Be proactive• Sensitize senior
management• Educate
organization-wide• Develop copyright
compliance policy
