At the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) 24th Copyright and Related Rights Standing Committee session (SCCR) in Geneva, the US’ Library Copyright Alliance (LCA) is advocating copyright exceptions for libraries, education and for people with print disabilities. LCA is represented by international copyright advocate and librarian Lori Driscoll at the meet, scheduled for July 16-25, 2012. Driscoll is carrying the message that copyright exceptions for libraries ensure a vibrant arena for the creation and use of creative works as well as the advancement of learning.
LCA is a coalition of the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Joining LCA’s effort to influence the WIPO copyright agenda are other library organisation attendees, such as the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA).
WIPO, known for its pro-rights holder inclination, is devoting more than half of its programme to advance balanced international copyright law by discussing exceptions and limitations for libraries, education and for people with print disabilities. Since US copyright law is seen as one of the most flexible copyright laws in the world, member nations of WIPO are reportedly eager to hear from US libraries and to learn from their experiences.
The first agenda item discussed thus far at the 10-day session is copyright limitations and exceptions for educational institutions. In her statement , Driscoll pointed out that US libraries and educational institutions were inherently linked and that without existing exceptions in the law, the advancement of education, scholarship and research would not be possible. Conversely, Driscoll warned the assembly that licence terms and use of technological protection measures could inhibit educational progress in the digital era.
During the rest of the session, SCCR will turn its attention to library exceptions and an international treaty for a copyright exception for people with print disabilities.
