Copyright and libraries: what’s new? : The EIFL perspective

Abstract

Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) is an international not-for-profit organization that works with libraries to enable access to digital information in developing and transition countries. The programme on copyright and libraries, known as EIFLIP1, supports a network of copyright librarians in 1 The IP in EIFL-IP is short for “Intellectual Property”. Partner countries in advocating for a fair copyright system to maximize access to knowledge.

Copyright affects issues that are central to activities and services that libraries provide for their readers. Librarians must be well informed about copyright and able to take the lead in promoting libraries and their role in supporting the public interest in copyright debates. Librarians contribute to international policy-making at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and EIFL librarians are involved in national copyright debates so that laws support modern library activities, and local library needs in serving their users. In the global, networked environment, it is essential to follow developments in copyright around the world, and to learn from the best examples. EIFL helps to keep libraries in its partner countries informed and connected.