Copyright: the European dimension

Libraries are continuing to evolve as a result of the dual pressures of technology and user access. The new digital media forms are enabling librarians to find new methods of information delivery. Libraries and librarians need to be aware of the legal ramifications of the new technologies that are available. This book provides an authoritative and practical guide to the subject. Despite the negative prognosis for libraries during the early 1990s in the face of digital technology, libraries have proved to be surprisingly resilient, and have begun the long process of incorporating digital technologies into their service. The legal ramifications, however, always need to be considered. This book does just that. Key Features: (1) Deals with the important and topical ramifications of the law and digital media, with specific focus on the impact upon - and the future role of - libraries (2) It provides an accessible but theoretical base that gradually builds into a practical guide for copyright law and the role of technology in libraries (3) It provides analysis of all of the current and future technologies and the legal implications (4) Is written from a highly knowledgeable and well-respected practitioner in the field (5) Most of the books written on the topic have been written from a US perspective only; this book provides a European and British perspective.