Copyright resources on the Web

Introduction

This page is designed to give librarians and web designers some pointers on where to go to seek information on copyright issues on the Web. I am not a lawyer and so do not feel it appropriate to give advice on this subject in anything other than the broadest possible terms. However the sites below can be used to give you much better and more comprehensive advice.

Ten copyright myths
This is an excellent summary of the most commonly held but incorrect beliefs relating to copyright, specifically relating to the Internet.
The Copyright FAQ
Very useful and comprehensive information provided by MIT
The Copyright Web site
If you don't find what you want in the first two sites, go to this one. A vast resource of information.
U.S. Copyright Act
This should link you into the American copyright law if you want to get into the real nitty gritty of what the US legislation is in this area.
The Berne Convention
If you prefer the international viewpoint, this is the place to go.
HR 3048, the Digital Era Copyright Enhancement Act, was introduced in the US House of Representatives this week. It makes important provisions to safeguard the fair use of digital resources in education and library work. A detailed examination of the draft legislation is at: http://www.ari.net/dfc/docs/sbsbou.htm


Last updated 18th June 2001