Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Article: The Corruption of Copyright and Returning It to Its Original Purposes

As 2022 comes to a close, I'm sifting through my "did I read?" list and was reminded of this 2021 paper by Michelle Wu.  Wu is the former Associate Dean for Library Services and Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, where she has also served as the Interim Associate Dean for Administration & Finance and Head of Law Center Human Resources. She thinks deeply about copyright law, and is admired by many. 

This 42-page paper is not light reading, so brew yourself a pot of coffee and settle in!


Wu, Michelle M., "The Corruption of Copyright and Returning It to Its Original Purposes" (2021). Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works. 2410.
https://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/facpub/2410 (DOI: 10.1080/0270319X.2021.1966238)

Abstract

Since its inception, Copyright has had two purposes: the private interest of the author in being paid for her work and the public interest served by the dissemination of these works. Within the last two decades, though, some industries have systematically undermined both of those interests, redirecting the benefits of copyright towards themselves instead of the intended beneficiaries. This paper looks at the book, music, and entertainment industries, examines how copyright has been used to suppress the uses it was intended to foster, and explores ongoing and proposed avenues for course correction.

 

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Webinar: What You Need to Know about Small Claims and the Copyright Claims Board

I received this information (below) from the U.S. Copyright Office. This webinar is free and open to the public.


What You Need to Know about Small Claims and the Copyright Claims Board

You may have heard about the Copyright Claims Board, or CCB for short. But what is the CCB? Who can use it? In this fifty-minute session, learn the basics about what anyone should know before filing or participating in a CCB proceeding. Attendees will learn about the types of claims the CCB can hear, legal resources to be aware of, and why respondents might want to consider participating in the United States’ first intellectual property small claims tribunal.

Date: January 12, 2:00 p.m. eastern time

Speakers:

Maya Burchette, Attorney-Advisor, Copyright Claims Board

Dan Booth, Attorney-Advisor, Copyright Claims Board

 

Register Here

 

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About the CCB: The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act of 2020 established the Copyright Claims Board (CCB), a tribunal located in the Copyright Office and available as a voluntary alternative to federal court. The CCB is an efficient, streamlined way to resolve copyright disputes involving claims seeking damages of up to $30,000 and is designed to be less expensive than bringing a case in a federal court.

Friday, December 16, 2022

Blog Post: Digital Books wear out faster than Physical Books

midjourney AI generated
Published on Nov. 15, this blog post by Brewster Kahle has been read by many and if you haven't read it, you should. Kahle begins by writing:

Ever try to read a physical book passed down in your family from 100 years ago?  Probably worked well. Ever try reading an ebook you paid for 10 years ago?   Probably a different experience. From the leasing business model of mega publishers to physical device evolution to format obsolescence, digital books are fragile and threatened.

He then goes on to talk about what the Internet Archive and others do to keep digital works available and accessible. Yes, it takes a concerted effort of people and machinery, and that requires money. 

Looking back at my own blog posts, I know that I've written about digital preservation for a LONG time. It is not my constant focus, but I'm glad it is the focus of other folks who have the knowledge and fortitude to help our digital assets last for years to come. If you are able, support their work...if by no other way than helping them make the need for the work visible.


Tuesday, December 06, 2022

Resources from "Starting from Where You Are: Becoming Anti-isms"

Friends on a bench. Microsoft stock photo.
Today I'm giving a webinar for the Central NY Library Resources Council and this post contains the resource list for the participants. (They will also receive a copy from CLRC.)

Description: Steps towards becoming anti-racist include developing an awareness of your own culture, cultivating cultural humility, and recognizing that it is a never-ending process that is not a straight line. This interactive session will have participants thinking about their own cultural backgrounds and the cultures of the community members our libraries serve. Resources for continuing this journey towards being anti-racist and anti-isms will be provided.

Learning Objectives: After this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Engage in self-growth activities that help build an environment of acceptance and belonging.
  • Be involved in discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion and their impact on belonging.
  • Take meaningful steps to eliminate the -isms around them.
Resources: These are listed as shown in the webinar: