Core Copyright (TM)
April 18, 2007
On Wednesday April 4 and 11 I attended an RRLC workshop on copyright, taught by K. Matthew Dames. I’ve been a librarian for almost 30 years. In that time I must have attended at least one session on copyright at least every 3 years, this was by far the very best!
Kevin took us right to the portions of the copyright law that apply to us and showed us how to break them down into the rule, the conditions, the exceptions and the exceptions to the exceptions. Looking up all words “defined” in the law is also important. (circle all defined words) He was clear that everyone is going to break it down differently, but it still leads to a much better understanding of what you are reading.
e.g. He broke down the Rule of section 107 of fair use to
the fair use of copyrighted work…is not an infringement of copyright
I was most concerned with Section 108 of reproduction by libraries and archives.
He recommended a website on dates for works becoming public domain, done by Peter Hirtle. Also Kevin does a blog type web page on copyright issues called Copycense.
If you every have the opportunity to take this workshop or Kevins class at SU, I highly recommend it!!
