This circular answers some of the questions that are frequently asked about copyright, a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship" including library, dramatic musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The Copyright Act of 1976 (title 17 of the United States…

This circular answers some of the questions that are frequently asked about copyright, a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of "original works of authorship" including literary, dramatic musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The Copyright Act of 1976 (title 17 of the United…

This article, written before report to Congress by Register of Copyrights was issued, examines whether balancing of rights of creators and needs of users has been accomplished by Copyright Revision Act of 1976, and reviews key issues in dispute between librarians and publishers over use of copyrighted materials in libraries. (EJS)

Examines ramifications of legislative recognition of concept of fair use in Copyright Act of 1976 and argues that elimination of fair use doctrine, coupled with increase in technological approaches to reporting of secondary use of copyrighted material, will benefit authors, publishers, and librarians alike. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

Reprography of musical works as covered by Copyright Law 1976 (section 108) and new law (PL94-553) is discussed. Historical interpretation and exclusion of music and copyright, impact of law on music libraries, and recommendations for revision of law by Music Library Association and Music Publisher's Association of America are highlighted. (EJS)

Discusses five-year review of the issue of library reproduction of copyrighted works mandated by Section 108(i) of Copyright Act of 1976. Highlights include preparation for Register's report (advisory committee, hearings, King Research report, librarian/copyright proprietor meetings); findings; and recommendations (voluntary agreements and…

The nine papers in this collection discuss the educational issues raised by the 1976 Copyright Revision Act with special emphasis on conflicts between the rights of teachers and learners and the rights of creators. Topics covered include: (1) the history of copyright development in Europe and America, (2) the educational implications of the new…

Reviews attempts to revise present copyright law to resolve areas of conflict concerning fair use, place of consumer of copyrighted works, and control of misuse of technology. Highlights include the Register's Report and its effect, American Library Association's response, publishing industry recommendations, Copyright Office recommendations, and…

Conducted to investigate copyright questions that have arisen from the development of new communications technologies which were not foreseen when the copyright law was rewritten in 1976, these hearings are particularly concerned with the areas of low-power television (LPTV) and satellite communications. Following session opening remarks,…

Statements and testimony from four major and eight additional witnesses comprise these 1981 hearings. David Ladd, Register of Copyrights and Associate Librarian for Copyright Services, reports on the functions and administrative operations of the Copyright Office since the new copyright law came into effect in 1978. The functions of the Patents…

This nonlegislative report presents guidelines for the interpretation of the fair use provisions of the Copyright Act of 1976. Technological developments since 1976 have necessitated the re-interpretation of the fair use exemption contained in the Copyright Act by copyright owners and the educational community to allow educators to apply the Act…

The pamphlet discusses how colleges and universities can protect themselves and their employees from liability for copyright infringement, and proposes some guidelines to keep most uses of copyrighted material within the law. The principles underlying the Copyright Act of 1976 are explained, including the four-factor test to determine whether a…