Copyright and Cultural Institutions (2009)

Title: Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for Digitization for U.S. Libraries, Archives, and Museums

Editor: Peter B. Hirtle, Emily Hudson, and Andrew T. Kenyon

Publisher: Cornell University Library Press

Year: 2009

Pages: 275

Link: http://ssrn.com/... (PDF , 2.04 Mb)

Abstract:

Digital communications technologies have led to fundamental changes in the ways that cultural institutions fulfil their public missions of access, preservation, research, and education. Institutions are developing publicly-accessible websites in which users can visit online exhibitions, search collection databases, access images of collection items, and in some cases create their own digital content. Digitization, however, also raises the possibility of copyright infringement. “Copyright and Digitization” aims to assist understanding and compliance with copyright law across libraries, archives, and museums. It discusses the exclusive rights of the copyright owner, the major exemptions used by cultural heritage institutions, and stresses the importance of “risk assessment” when conducting any digitization project. It also includes two cases studies, examining digitizing oral histories and student work. As well as free availability here, print copies are available for purchase via createspace.

Table of Contents (short version):

1. Introduction

2. Copyright Fundamentals

3. Duration and Ownership of Copyright

4. Exclusive Rights and Infringement

5. Fair Use and Other Exemptions

6. The Libraries and Archives Exemptions

7. Copyright Permissions and Licenses

8. Locating Copyright Owners

9. Other Types of Intellectual Property, Contracts, and Jurisdictional Issues

10. Risk Management: How to Digitize Safely

11. Case Study 1: Interviews and Oral Histories

12. Case Study 2: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Papers