Copyright

Reading Assignment #4 (July 25, 2009)

Source:

Horava, Tony. (2009). Ebooks licensing and Canadian copyright legislation: a few considerations. Partnership: the Canadian Journal of library and Information Practice and Research, vol. 4, no. 1. Retrieved on July 24, 2009 from http://journal.lib.uoguelph.ca/index.php/perj/article/view/929/1474

Abstract:

In the success of ejournals, libraries are now examining the idea of implementing ebooks in collection development strategy particularly in academic libraries. Acquiring ebooks rely heavily on license agreements. Libraries have been adept in the processes of acquiring ebooks that the interplay between licensing as a contractual arrangement and the statutory rights available under Canadian copyright law have not given much attention. Questions were raised on how these licensing agreements will affect on how ebooks can be used for teaching, learning, and research. The article examine areas in the provision of copyright that have importance in the libraries such as interlibrary loans, access to persons with disabilities and in preservation of ebooks. The article analyzes these issues and proposes strategies that libraries can adopt to ensure that fair dealing in Canadian copyright is not eroded by licensing agreements.

Lessons learned:

1. As a librarian, it is a must to know the copyright legislation and jurrispudence. In order to balance access and privacy, one must to understand the provisions of the law. This may not only protect user's rights but also protects the welfare of the creator in using and disseminating information.

2. It is important that the provisions of the law is clearly stated and guidelines are specifically address user needs.

3. Use every opportunity to educate the publisher or vendor and also the library users about the library's interest in incorporating user rights found in copyright legislation. This will signal that we are aware of our statutory rights and their central importance for research, learning, and teaching.

Reflection:

Legislation is a set of binding principles and rule stipulated through formal mechanisms to grant power, confer rights and specify limits that regulate the conduct and behavior of the society. The copyright law under the intellectual property right provides the mandate under in what conditions information could be made available.

In saying so, as a librarian, it is important that we know clearly what are the provisions stated in the copyright law in order to know until where we would extend our rights to fair use and the limitations of extending service to users. This is our guiding principles in providing access, support to the exchange of knowledge, encouragement of learning, and the provision of materials to a wide range of patrons. It is the responsibility of a librarian to also protect the right of the author and they are given due credit in doing so.

Whatever traditions and experience we have, we all have the same need for clear, updated legislation to protect and provide access.