[A2k] eIFL/IFLA oral statement at WIPO SCCR

[teresa.hackett@eifl.net]

Joint Intervention

Special Session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (=
SCCR)
: First Session

Geneva, January 17 to January 19, 2006

Limitations and Exceptions for Libraries

Mr Chairman, thank you for giving the floor to Electronic Information for
Libraries (eIFL) and the International Federation of Library Associations
(IFLA), representing libraries worldwide.

In our previous statements we have argued that any draft treaty on the
protection of broadcast organisations limits itself to its intent i.e. to
prohibit signal piracy. We welcome the endeavours in the Chair=92s discussi=
on
non-paper that the =93focus should be set on the protection of the live sig=
nal=94
and on signal theft.

Both our organisations support the Joint Statement of Certain Civil Society=
,
Private Sector and Rightsholder Representatives which is on the table outsi=
de
this room. Point three of the statement argues that any treaty that allows =
for
broader rights must be accompanied by an equally broad set of mandatory
exceptions and limitations. We believe that this is a time consuming task f=
or
the purposes of this draft treaty and in the signal based approach, it is
unnecessary.

The alternative rights based approach would involve crafting appropriate
exceptions and limitations, an increasingly complex task for the digital ag=
e.
Today we live in a global digital environment. But the exceptions and
limitations with which we work were developed in an analogue world. They ar=
e
paperbound, while the basic format for most content has become digital.
Therefore librarians find themselves struggling with unsuitable exceptions =
and
limitations to adequately deliver content and services in the digital age.
Nowadays, libraries must adopt sometimes absurd practices in order to compl=
y
with copyright law. Libraries services are stymied when they should be
expanding and developing in response to new technologies. Analysis and guid=
ance
on the issues is necessary.

This is why we welcome the initiative of the distinguished delegation of Ch=
ile
and the support of GRULAC for this committee to consider exceptions and
limitations for libraries, education and the disabled in its regular work. =
The
proposal by Chile for a study on exceptions and limitations for libraries i=
s
therefore a welcome step.

eIFL and IFLA believe that WIPO is the natural organisation to host such a =
study
and we would be pleased to be of any assistance in this regard. There is a
written statement on the table outside this room which elaborates further o=
n
some of our points.

Thank you, Mr Chairman for your attention.


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