4th Reading Asignment

Technology and Copyright Issues in the Academic Library: First Sale, Fair Use and Electronic Document

Ou, Carol. “Technology and copyright issues in the academic library: First sale, fair use and electronic document.” Libraries and the Academy, Vol 3 No. 1 (2003) pp. 89-98. Project Muse. 21 July 2009
http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/portal_libraries_and_the_academy/v003/3.1ou.pdf


Abstract:

The article is about concepts the first sale and fair use and its implications to Library's electronic resources. These two concepts were discussed in the article as it needed to be re-examined in an information age. It also discussed that this technology has the potential to upset the traditional balance between the public and private spheres that governs the doctrine of copyright.


Three things I've learned form the article:
1.Difference between the concepts of the first sale and fair use in an academic library setting.
2.First sale doctrine is more difficult to implement with digital items such as electronic documents

3.Major concerns posed by the Internet and digital document is that they blur the distinction between the public and private sphere


Reflection:

This Internet age presents new challenges to copyright issues. Universal access and distribution has become possible through the Internet. Libraries are leaders in trying to maintain balance of power between copyright holders and users.

Libraries want to provide the information need of its users. What is important is the institution must have a policy in accessing copyrighted materials in electronic reserves. It should be based on the fair use of the provisions of the Copyright Act. The methods of access are also important like the institution must have the required subscriptions and IP authentications. The Library where I work is currently looking for E-books especially for the Reserve ones. I a m hoping that I will learn more about policies, procedures, copyright issues after the E-books purchase.