Digital technology and the use of the
Internet have revolutionized methods for creating, reproducing, and disseminating
information. Its ease of use and ability to reach an almost infinite audience
have made the Internet ideal for the transmission of all types of works.
It also has opened the door for widespread copyright abuse.
Copyright law governs electronic communications just
as it governs the use of books, film, or music. Web publishing, email,
image use, domain name use, scholarly electronic publishing, and electronic
libraries all fall within the realm of copyright law. Internet users, whether
readers or publishers, must be aware of what constitutes as copyright infringement.
Although current copyright law is seemingly inadequate for today's information
technology it is still applicable. Major efforts are being made to reform
copyright law. However, many of the proposed changes seem to favor copyright
owners and publishers with greater restrictions and liabilities for users.
The information and links that follow provide an overview of copyright
law, current legislation, and issues for both libraries and individuals
in the online digital environment.
Crash
Course in Copyright - University of Texas site that can quickly familiarize
the reader with copyright basics.
Quick
Summary of Copyright Issues - Question and answer guide on copyright
by the University of Colorado IRM.
Copyright Timeline
- The History of U.S. Copyright by ARL -- outlines copyright
milestones, especially those of interest in particular to libraries and
information service providers. Summaries are included for major court cases,
revisions to the U.S. Copyright Act, and recent activities undertaken by
the U.S. Commerce Department in its efforts to develop the National Information
Infrastructure.
Web Law FAQ - Provided
by the firm of Oppedahl & Larson, it is very helpful to readers in
familiarizing themselves with intellectual property issues..
The Fair Use Test -
Quick reference to the Fair Use Provision of the Copyright Act and the
four factors to be used in making a determination of fair use.
Myths About Copyright
Explained - Excellent article by Brad Templeton answering common myths
about copyright on the Internet.
U.S. Copyright Act
- Codes used in determining infringement, remedies, and penalties.
Copyright in an Educational Environment
- Conference scheduled for April 23 - April 25, 1998, hosted by Southern
Illinois Universy at Carbondale 
Policy Paper/Presentation Outline -
"Copyright Issues & the Internet"
Copyright and Fair Use -
Stanford University Libraries - recent court cases & decisions
The White Paper
- Final report by the Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights
on the intellectual property implications of the NII with recommendations
on changes to U.S. intellectual property law.
NII Legislation
and Updates - Current National Information Infrastructure Legislation
and Information
CONFU: The
Conference on Fair Use
Digital
Copyright Clarification and Technogy Education Act of 1997 - legislation
introduced by Senator Ashcroft to amend title 17, United States Code to
provide limitations on liability relating to material on the Internet and
on-line
Digital Era Copyright
Enhancement Act - legislation introduced by Congressman Boucher and
Congressman Campbell, very balanced bill containing many positive provisions
related to fair use, first sale, preservation, distance education, ephemeral
copying, and federal preemption issues
IFLA Information
Policy: Copyright and Intellectual Property
Working
Document: Fair Use in the Electronic Age - Statement by the American
Library Association concerning intellectual property and rights of copyright
owners and users.
ARL Federal Relations
& Information Policy
Issues &
Innovations in Electronic Reserves - Discusses copyright issues
for electronic reserves.
Librarians and Publishers
in the Scholarly Information Process
Copyright and
Fair Use: A Guide for the Harvard Community - Provides a higher education
perspective on copyright and the web.
Copyright,
Archival Institutions and the Digital Environment
U.S. Copyright Office
Copyright Clearance Center
Internet Legal Resource Guide
Cyberspace Law and Policy
- UCLA Online Institute for Cyberspace Law and Policy site dedicated
to identifying legal and policy issues dealing with cyberspace and to helping
generate solutions to problems arising in cyberspace.
Copyright
Resources for Education Online (CREDO) - Database of original material
developed by ILT for educators providing important basic information and
useful tips on how to protect one's work and how to comply with the existing
rules for the use others' copyrighted material.
Copyright
Resources Online
