I finished my last post by saying I wasn't sure if the library I work for has a copyright policy or not. Just in case anyone is interested, I did ask my library director if we have a copyright policy. She looked a bit surprised and said, "Not one written down, but everyone knows the basic rules, so I don't see a problem."
Anyone out there take issue with this mentality after all we've learned thus far?!?
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I just think that such an attitude could set the library up for a fall if something should happen. The librarian is ASSUMING everyone knows, but is that really true?
Do you have signs by the copy machine saying that certain works are subject to copyright? We did at the library I worked at in college. Perhaps a sign like that would limit the library's liability?
Nope, Marissa, no sign or anything. This library director is very averse to any suggestions or change. I'm learning a lot and it seems as though she's resenting the thought that someone could have a better way of doing things than she has established over the last 20-some years as director...
~Lorena
That is a frightening statement coming from a librarian. I have learned so much about copyright that I didn't know, so I am guessing that the majority of the patrons to the library are clueless like I was.
Pam
I don't know, Pam, maybe since she's pretty nosy about what people are copying, she feels she has a handle on it. But I do agree with you and marissa about precautions and the fact that most people really DON'T know
In a way, I am not surprised that your library doesn't have a copyright policy. I honestly don't think the academic library where I work has one. Of course, the college has a section on academic dishonesty and plagiarism in the students' manual or guide, but it doesn't address copyright issues. I think that on the few occasions that we get copyright-related questions at the desk, the staff working at the desk refers the question to a reference librarian. Often times, I would guess that then the reference librarian then refers the question to the director. Recently, the director then referred the question to a different director of another department on campus because the employee who asked a copyright question works under the other director (if that makes any sense!). And, for those of you reading about the organization of libraries, this is a good example of the "bureaucracy" described in Rubin and may be an example of why libraries should move away from this type of organization. Right? But, back to the copyright topic...Of course, all libraries should have a copyright policy! ;)
Steph,
At least you do seem to have a "chain of reference" when questions arise, which is good!
Is it common for public school libraries to have policies? If we have one, I have never heard it mentioned by my colleagues and I have never been trained in it. So if their is a policy, it is not being effectively carried out in our district.
Louie
Hi Louie,
Common? I don't know. Should there be one, YES! In our Copyright for Schools text, it mentions that schools frequently get the warnings and questions from authorities, but it's not often publicized because everything is rectified before legal action is needed OR they settle out of court.
I'd say your school might have one somewhere in the archives, it's just not obvious as to where or what it is. You may have to ask around to get the proverbial dust blown off it and to see if your school has someone in charge of educating staff.
Thanks for your comment!
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