The Digital Librarian's Legal Handbook


Book Description

Here are authoritative answers to the critical legal questions that make digital collection development and management so challenging and complex. Librarians, educators, technology leaders, information science educators, and anyone involved with digitized content will find this volume useful.




Digital Rights Management


Book Description

In a world of users that routinely click “I Agree” buttons, librarians may be the lone voice raising an alert to the privacy, use, and ownership issues arising in connection with the design and implementation of digital rights management (DRM) technologies. DRM reflects the efforts of copyright owners to prevent the illegal distribution of copyrighted material – an admirable goal on its face. A common misunderstanding is that DRM is copyright law. It is not. Rather it is a method of preventing copyright infringement; however, if unchecked, DRM has the potential to violate privacy, limit ownership rights, and undermine the delicate balance of rights and policies established by our current system of copyright. All three of these arenas are critical for both librarians and their users. Reflecting the shift from ownership to access, libraries are increasingly providing access to rights-protected digital content. Libraries strive to provide access to rights-protected content in a manner that protects both the content creator and the privacy of the user. DRM encompasses a variety of technologies and strategies utilized by content owners and managers to limit access to and the use of rights-protected content. Librarians need to understand DRM to effectively enable users to access and use rights-protected digital content while at the same time protecting the privacy of the user. Designed to address the practical operational and planning issues related to DRM, this guide explores the critical issues and challenges faced by librarians. After reading it, librarians will better understand: the digital content rights protection scheme; the various DRM technologies and how they are used; how to use authentication and authorization standards, strategies, and technologies; and, the privacy and security issues related to DRM. Edited by two librarians who also hold law degrees, this is a best practices guide for front-line librarians on how to best respond to the impact of DRM schemes on collection development, staffing, budget, service, and other library concerns.




Licensing Digital Content


Book Description

Provides an overview of issues surrounding electronic media access licenses for librarians.




Law Librarianship in the Digital Age


Book Description

It is absolutely essential that today’s law librarians are digitally literate in addition to possessing an understanding and awareness of recent advancements and trends in information technology as they pertain to the library field. Law Libraries in the Digital Age offers a one-stop, comprehensive guide to achieving both of those goals. This go-to resource covers the most cutting-edge developments that face today’s modern law libraries, including e-Books, mobile device management, Web scale discovery, cloud computing, social software, and much more. These critical issues and concepts are approached from the perspective of tech-savvy library leaders who each discuss how forward-thinking libraries are tackling such traditional library practices as reference, collection development, technical services, and administration in this new “digital age.” Each chapter explores the key concepts and issues that are currently being discussed at major law library conferences and events today and looks ahead to what’s on the horizon for law libraries in the future. Chapters have been written by the field’s top innovators from all areas of legal librarianship, including academic, government, and private law libraries, who have strived to provide inspiration and guidance to tomorrow’s law library leaders.




Licensing Digital Content


Book Description

Of the second edition, ARBA declared, “Harris’s book has become the standard for libraries and has yet to have an equal published that is either as useful or as clear.” Covering the basics of digital licensing for librarians, the new third edition provides a freshened look at all the key issues as well as updated sample agreement clauses. Giving library professionals and students the understanding and the tools needed to negotiate and organize license agreements, Harris uses a plain-language approach that demystifies the process. Her guide explains licensing terminology and discusses changes in technology, including developments such as text and data mining;points out opportunities for cost savings;features many useful tools such as a comprehensive digital license checklist;provides sources of additional information on the global aspects of licensing; andwalks readers through educating organizations that have signed license agreements. In its new edition, this resource remains a must-have for all information professionals who deal with licenses for electronic resources.




Legal Reference for Librarians


Book Description

In recent years the number of Americans who have decided to handle their own legal affairs without the help of a lawyer has skyrocketed. Ranging from people writing their own wills or drafting a contract to those trying to represent themselves in court, they’re going to public and academic libraries for answers. As both an attorney and a librarian, Healy’s background makes him uniquely qualified to advise library staff on providing users with the legal information they seek, and in this handbook, he Provides a concise orientation on legal research, including strategies for finding information quickly and a handpicked compendium of the best resources Offers guidance on how to provide advice on legal research while steering clear of liability Covers federal legal reference as well as all 50 states, with a comprehensive list of web-based legal resources Library staff can provide valuable and ethical legal reference guidance with the practical guidance in this book.




Handbook on Copyright and Related Issues for Libraries


Book Description

Information technologies have provided libraries with opportunities to improve and develop innovative services and to serve our communities in new ways. Resources previously available only to those who could travel to the library can be accessed electronically by library users in the remotest areas. The barriers to accessing knowledge, especially in developing and transition countries, are formidable. Financial, technological and legal "firewalls" hinder the development of the knowledge society with all its benefits. This Handbook is a practical guide to topical legal questions affecting the information work of libraries in the fast-moving digital environment. The range of issues illustrates the complexity of the world in which the digital librarian operates. Librarians should have some knowledge of the key areas, so that the library community can defend their position and can continue to fulfil their mission in the digital age. Each topic is described briefly, the main policy aspects for libraries are outlined, and there are links to library policy statements for further reading.




The Whole Digital Library Handbook


Book Description

Essential facts, advice, lists, documents, guidelines, lore, wit, and wisdom: Along with fun and irreverence, it's what readers have come to expect from the "Whole Library" series. In a one-volume compendium that's by turns encyclopedic, useful, and engaging, this latest entry provides an overview of digital libraries, covering the state of information, issues, customers, challenges, tools and technology, preservation, and the future. From blogs to Wikis, highlights include: digitization project planning tips and tools; the value proposition of the digital library; lists of Internet libraries, libraries that I.M., libraries that podcast; and interpretations of NextGen demographic data. Collecting insights from library luminaries as well the perspectives of interesting experts from outside the ranks of library professionals, "The Whole Digital Library Handbook" decodes the jargon and cuts to the chase.




The Copyright Librarian


Book Description

Within most libraries in the United States today there is an information professional who has become the ‘go-to’ person for grasping and grappling with copyright questions. While not an attorney, this librarian has developed an awareness and understanding of copyright law, legislation and practice as they relate to a wide variety of library activities. This practical handbook provides a broad overview of copyright librarianship. It is written for information professionals whose area of expertise, specialization or job it is to inform and educate others about the ethical use and best practices surrounding copyrighted materials It is written about the person with solid analytical skills and the ability to adapt and adjust in a rapidly changing environment; someone who can serve as an intermediary between information producers and consumers; someone who is knowledgeable about the law and providing access to information; someone who is well positioned within an organization to answer questions about copyright and provide reliable, accurate, and relevant answers, information, assistance, and guidance when needed. In short: a copyright librarian. Thorough and up-to-date look at an emerging field of specialization within libraries Provides an overview of job opportunities available and how to prepare for these jobs Presents a range of useful current awareness and professional development resources and tools for the new, prospective, and working professional Addresses common misperceptions about copyright librarians