Digital Copyright

Citation

Doldi, L. (2008), "Digital Copyright", Online Information Review, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 540-540. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520810897430

With the advent of digital information, the topic of copyright has become more problematic because of the different nature of digital information in comparison with traditional, printed information. Available technologies and digital formats make it possible to copy of a work in digital form quickly and cheaply. The copy that is made is just as good as the original. Further, the business models applied to digital material by vendors of electronic contents often make digital information freely available and easy to access or acquire. But the user should never forget that the internet is not a copyright‐free zone, even if it seems so, and that it is very important to be informed about copyright protection of works.

Pedley's book examines in depth different issues of copyright law applied to digital information and analyses how digital content has to be treated differently from hard copy material. The author repeatedly underlines the necessity to modernise the copyright concept and the laws in a way more appropriate to the digital age.

The book has a linear structure. Ten chapters present issues specific to digital information and differences between digital and traditional information (Chapter 1); categories of digital information and digital rights management systems (Chapters 2 and 3); the concept of orphan works and how they should be treated with regard to copyright (Chapter 4); different terms and conditions and licensing models (Chapters 5 and 6); the special situation of educational establishments (Chapter 7). Other topics are also mentioned, as ethics (Chapter 9) and author rights (Chapter 8). In the end a useful list of links and addresses related to different copyright topics is given (Chapter 10).

In most chapters relevant legal cases are presented, with background explanation and legal outcome. This results in a good balance between theory and its application and gives the reader a feeling of what it could mean to act thoughtlessly with copyrights. A glossary for digital copyright field increases the value of the volume.

The book offers a valuable overview of issues which must be considered when talking about copyright. It makes the web user aware of what could be under copyright protection and how to get holders' permissions. The book has a strong UK perspective: many cited laws refer to the UK copyright system. However, the book has also a strong general value: it awakens the reader to the general problem of copyright. This is undoubtedly a valuable read for information professionals, and is recommended also for the general public, as we live in an increasingly digital environment.