Technology and Copyright Law: A Guidebook for the Library, Research, and Teaching Professions - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1555702678 ISBN 13: 9781555702670

Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1999

Synopsis

When is it legal to copy software? What is copyrighted on the Internet? What are the copyright rules for scanning documents into a computer? Designed and written for non-lawyers, this groundbreaking guide will help you avoid and respond appropriately to legal difficulties stemming from electronic copyright. Part I covers historical and legal background, and also looks at trends for the future, including the probable effects of recommendations from the National Information Infrastructure Report. Part II explores technology and copyright in libraries and classrooms, focusing on fair use doctrine, broadcasting, duplication and distribution, first sale doctrine, and contractual agreements. Part III offers information on copyright law and the electronic classroom, networks, and international agreements. The guide concludes with topical checklists, model policies and remedies, plus an index and appendixes, including copyright guidelines from the American Library Association and the Committee on New Technological Uses.

About this title

Reviews

Bielefield, an attorney with an MLS degree, and co-author Cheeseman, a librarian, present an exhaustive, scholarly examination of copyright history and law. They cover international developments in copyright law, judicial decisions, and congressional guidelines, and offer examples of applying the law to real-life situations. Simpson, editor of Technology Connection, writes an excellent overview of copyright issues in a concentrated, practical guide for school library media specialists. Both books carry the important message that educators must understand copyright implications and practice "defensive law." As Simpson notes, you do not have to "do anything to be party to a suit." Both books also suggest many helpful resources to explore. All librarians should own a good, current copyright primer, and Simpson's book fits the bill. The Cheeseman and Bielefield book is more in-depth and theoretical, better suited to those who need more than a basic guide. It does, however, cover some practical situations the Simpson book doesn't, such as distance learning and contractual agreements. Both of these titles are admirable contributions to the professional literature, arming librarians to embrace the information environment without risking costly and embarrassing
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Attorney/librarian Bielefield and law librarian Cheeseman's new work challenges us to understand our fair use and Section 108 rights well enough to employ and protect them. With a good sense of historical context and concise, straightforward language, the authors (Libraries and Copyright Law, Professional Reading, LJ 6/1/93; Library Patrons and the Law, Professional Reading LJ 2/1/96) illustrate the relationship between technological change and the development of copyright protection. In addition, to a strong focus on fair use, their book provides guidance for making copyright decisions in an electronic age. It also includes a representative selection (some as current as 1996) of model policies and fair use guidelines for different types of media, a glossary, and an introduction to contractual agreements (with a handy contract checklist), distance learning, and protection of international works. In a highly transitional time for
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1555702678
• ISBN 13: 9781555702670
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 245