The British Library, the national library of the UK, has announced that it expects researchers to benefit from proposals announced recently by Lord Mandelson and IP Minister, David Lammy. The Library has welcomed initiatives to make copyright fit for the digital age. It has long argued that educators and researchers will profit from the resolution of issues on copyright and improved access to research material; and that these changes will boost the UK knowledge economy.
The latest proposal is viewed as recognition that the issue of orphan works is critical to the copyright roadmap. Allowing orphan works to be used without fear of liability will free up one of the obstacles that the creative industries face on a day-to-day basis, the British Library maintains.
The Library has also stated that it welcomes and looks forward to the results on the SABIP study on the relationship between copyright and contract law, to be published at the end of 2009. It says research is built upon clarity of access to, and reuse of, copyright material. This is not guaranteed when access and reuse provisions vary from contract to contract.
Exploring the difference between commercial and non-commercial intent and use has also been welcomed by the British Library. This is seen to facilitate mass digitisation of historical material that has no commercial value, but of high academic importance that sits in libraries, museums and archives.
The British Library has expressed belief that successful public policy formation in copyright should incorporate the principles of public interest; preservation of cultural heritage; inclusion of orphan works, fair dealing; and technology neutral.
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