Target Audience: Librarians interested in U.S. copyright law and the complex issues resulting from the technological changes of the past three decades
Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will assess changes to copyright law over the past 35 years.
2. Participants will evaluate the need for additional changes to U.S. copyright laws related to digital technologies.
Join a substantive discussion about U.S. copyright law with two preeminent experts. Marybeth Peters, current Register of Copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office, has announced plans to step down from this post at the end of 2010-a position she has held since 1994. AALL’s own copyright expert, Laura (Lolly) Gasaway, has written and spoken extensively about copyright issues impacting libraries. Gasaway co-chaired the Section 108 Study Group, which examined the exceptions and limitations applicable to libraries and archives under the Copyright Act and made recommendations. Copyright Committee Chair Roger Skalbeck will moderate a discussion of copyright reform in the United States with a particular focus on library issues. Drawing on decades of experience, Gasaway and Peters will provide insights into major developments in copyright, including the 1976 Copyright Act, Fair Use, the TEACH Act, the DMCA, Section 108, distance education, and database protection. In examining touch points for copyright events relevant to libraries, these experts will talk about pending or possible copyright reform, including relevant legislative activities and court developments.