The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) have recently published “Navigating Copyright for Crown-Published Works: A Code of Best Practices for Libraries.” This comprehensive guide, authored by Amanda Wakaruk, Graeme Campbell, Steve Marks, Brianne Selman, Graeme Slaght, Rob Thiessen, and Jennifer Zerkee, is a crucial resource for libraries tasked with the stewardship of government information.
Government publications are vital for informing citizens and supporting democratic processes. However, the complexities of Crown copyright can hinder libraries’ ability to digitize and disseminate these works. The new code of best practices addresses these challenges, providing libraries with practical guidance on how to navigate copyright issues effectively.
Every case study within the guide highlights the efforts and initiatives of academic universities, working in collaboration with Internet Archive and Internet Archive Canada, demonstrating our shared commitment to preserving and providing access to government publications. The projects cited in the case studies are part of our Democracy’s Library initiative. (Thank you to Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web for helping fund Democracy’s Library, and providing infrastructure for long term preservation of the digital files).
Key Features of the Code
Background and Legal Framework: The guide offers detailed background information and outlines the legal framework relevant to Canadian government publications.
Risk Assessments: It provides tools for conducting copyright risk assessments, helping libraries evaluate the potential risks associated with their digitization projects.
Best Practices: The code presents a series of best practices and principles designed to support libraries in their efforts to digitize and share government information.
Case Studies: The inclusion of case studies showcases successful examples of navigating copyright issues, offering practical insights and strategies for other libraries to emulate.
“Navigating Copyright for Crown-Published Works: A Code of Best Practices for Libraries” is more than just a guide; it is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the library community to uphold the principles of open access and information stewardship. We are excited to see how this publication will assist libraries across Canada in their ongoing efforts to make government information more accessible to the public.
Let’s continue to work together to ensure that government publications remain a public resource, accessible to all.