Author Archive: Carrie Russell

Figuring Out Fair Use

Figuring Out Fair Use

November 1, 2023

Many of us harbor an unfounded fear of copyright litigation. “Better safe than sorry” is a frequent assertion. But that attitude can keep users and creators of copyright-protected content from engaging in personal and educational activities that are unlikely to infringe copyright law. That excess caution is, consequently, contrary to the values of librarianship, teaching, … Continue reading Figuring Out Fair Use




ebooks

Internet Policy Task Force Notes Library Copyright Concerns

February 5, 2016

The task force consists of Commerce representatives from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Patent and Trademark Office, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the International Trade Administration. Formed in 2010 to “conduct a comprehensive review of the nexus between privacy policy, copyright, global free flow of information, cybersecurity, and innovation in … Continue reading Internet Policy Task Force Notes Library Copyright Concerns


Google Books image with gavel

5 Examples of the Value of Google Books’ Search Function

December 2, 2015

Well, it’s over. On October 16, the court ruled in favor of Google, affirming a district court decision that upheld that creating a keyword search index for the massive undertaking was a fair use. However, the Authors Guild promises to appeal to the Supreme Court. One thing you might not know is that you—librarians and … Continue reading 5 Examples of the Value of Google Books’ Search Function


After Privacy Glitch, the Ball Is Now in Our Court

November 5, 2014

For those who might not know, a recap: Adobe Digital Editions is widely used software in the ebook trade for both library and commercial ebook transactions to authenticate legitimate library users, apply DRM to encrypt ebook files, and in general facilitate the ebook circulation process—such as deleting an ebook from a device after the loan … Continue reading After Privacy Glitch, the Ball Is Now in Our Court



Threats to Digital Lending

January 12, 2012

When the Kansas Digital Library Consortium’s contract with digital-content distributor OverDrive was up for renewal last year, two issues made Kansas State Librarian Joanne Budler decide it was time to move on and transfer the ebook titles to another vendor who could offer a better deal. First, OverDrive planned to raise license fees by almost … Continue reading Threats to Digital Lending