[A2k] eIFL welcomes Study on Copyright Exceptions and Limitations for Libraries and Archives

[Teresa Hackett (eIFL)]

PRESS RELEASE
October 29, 2008

eIFL welcomes Study on Copyright Exceptions and Limitations
for Libraries and Archives

Electronic Information for Libraries (eIFL.net) welcomes the publication
of a new study on copyright exceptions and limitations for libraries and
archives. The study was commissioned by the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) and prepared by Professor Kenneth Crews, Columbia
University, USA. For the first time, library exceptions have been
gathered from 149 countries, providing an analytical survey of the law
with respect to libraries and library services.

=93This is a tremendous new resource in which we can compare and contrast
library provisions for almost every country in the world=94, said Teresa
Hackett, eIFL-IP Programme Manager. =93The study provides a solid
foundation for a global debate on what works for libraries and what
doesn=92t. It is especially useful to generate debate on core, minimum
library provisions, as well as on the future shape of users=92 rights in
the networked environment.=94

The study begins by describing the roots of library exceptions which
usually reflect the practical and political context of the country. In
addition to international agreements, such as the Berne Convention,
historical, cultural and geographical factors were found to be a strong
influencing factor. The prevalence, scope and structure of library
exceptions are then examined, addressing issues such as reproduction of
copyrighted works for private research and study, preservation and the
replacement of materials, interlibrary document supply, as well as
library exceptions for the circumvention of technological protection
measures. Case studies present anecdotal evidence of the working
relationship between libraries and copyright law, while detailed factual
data on library copyright provisions for each country is set out in
tabular form.

=93The widespread prevalence of statutory library exceptions, and the fact
that they tend to centre on pursuits such as research and preservation,
indicate that policy makers recognise the important role that a
well-balanced copyright law plays in the ability of citizens to have
continuing access to the rich variety of materials held in libraries=94,
said Professor Crews. =93But the study also suggests that many librarians
want clearer laws that would apply to the services they want to deliver
to their patrons. The demand amongst librarians for more supportive
legislation was unmistakable. However, detailed statutes cannot
anticipate the changing needs of libraries and the application of new
technologies=94.

=93The study places our national library copyright provisions in an
international context. Not only does it enable us to compare library
exceptions with those in neighbouring countries, we can evaluate how we
fare in relation to Europe, the US and the rest of the world=94, commented
Benson Njobvu, eIFL-IP representative in Zambia and Chair of the
Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and
Information Associations (SCECSAL). =93Knowing the variety and scope of
library exceptions in other countries will provide ideas for how we can
improve our law to benefit library users in Zambia and throughout
southern Africa=94.

The study can be downloaded from:
http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/doc_details.jsp?doc_id=3D109192


Further information:

Rima Kupryte, Director
Electronic Information for Libraries (eIFL)
c/o ADN Kronos, Piazza Mastai 9
00153 Rome, Italy
Tel: +(39)(06)5807216/17
E-mail: info@eifl.net
http://www.eifl.net/

Notes for Editors

eIFL.net

eIFL.net is an international foundation, which supports national library
consortia in more than fifty transition and developing countries to
negotiate and advocate for the wide availability of electronic resources
to education, research and professional communities as well as
governmental organisations and civil society. This global network
embraces millions of users in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the former
Soviet Union and the Middle East.