Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators: Creative Strategies and Practical Solutions, 2nd ed.

Citation

Fourie, I. (2006), "Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators: Creative Strategies and Practical Solutions, 2nd ed.", Online Information Review, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 745-746. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520610716225

For the layperson (and perhaps even the expert) it seems almost impossible to keep up with copyright developments and how to stay within the law. This is especially important for librarians and educators who need to set an example – and even more so when offering web‐based instruction.

In the introduction Crews explains:

As professionals in the world of education and librarianship, we can enjoy the law's benefits only if we understand the rules of the copyright world. We must comprehend our rights as owners and users … If we do not manage copyright to our advantage, we will lose valuable opportunities for achieving our teaching and research missions.

In Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators Crews succeeds very well in offering both librarians and educators a basis for gaining such an understanding.

The book consists of five parts and 17 chapters. The five parts cover the reach and scope of copyright, rights of ownership, the concept of fair use, the focus on education and libraries, and special features. More specifically the chapters cover the following: the scope of protectable works; works without copyright permission; the duration and formalities of copyright; the ownership of copyright and what it entails; and exceptions to the rights of owners. The concept of fair use, the four factors underlying fair use, the application of these factors and the meaning of fair use are explained. Distance education, as well as the responsibilities and liabilities of libraries, are also discussed, in addition to the chapters on music and copyright, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, copyright and unpublished materials and requesting permission from copyright owners.

The very useful appendices include selected provisions from the US Copyright Act, a checklist for fair use, a checklist for the TEACH Act (US) and a model letter for permission requests. There is also a guide to additional reading, a list of cases cited and a solid seven‐page index.

Each chapter is introduced with a number of key points setting out what can be expected from the chapter. The text is supplemented with interesting cases in side boxes, while notes and references are offered at the end of each chapter. Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators is especially marked by its clear, well‐structured and useful format.

Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators is highly recommended to all librarians, as well as for libraries serving academic communities such as schools, colleges and universities, where educators need to acquaint themselves with copyright law.