Copyright For Schools: A Practical Guide

VOYA

This review was written and published to address two books about copyright laws by Kenneth Crews and Carol Simpson. Both authors make a heroic effort in their books to simplify the complicated morass of copyright law and education. Both define copyright, its purpose, history, and fair use as applicable to educators. Each author stresses the need for teachers to become familiar with the implications of copyright laws. Developing technologies make more resources available to educators, but copyright laws implemented to protect a person's creative works might seem onerous and are being enforced without regard to the fictitious "educational exemption" that many teachers erroneously believe will protect them. In forty short chapters, Crews, an attorney, researcher, and librarian, presents copyright fundamentals according to current laws. He addresses scope, formalities, duration, owners and rights, fair use, and exceptions. Seven appendixes contain summaries of laws and reports, copyright notices, a fair use checklist, supplemental reading list, and a table of cases. Crews's documentation is meticulous, and the format is readable. Each chapter ends with source notes and a list of articles and Web sites for further information. The third edition of Simpson's guide for schools contains thirteen chapters that cover print materials, audiovisual works, multimedia, satellite and distance learning, computer software, interlibrary loan, photocopying, facsimile, reserves, permissions, and Internet. The last three chapters that discuss managing copyright in schools, implications for administrators, and the importance of copyright policy reveal the author's background in public schools. Simpson clearlyknows how it really is, and her advice is practical and realistic. Twelve appendixes contain sample forms, policies, guidelines, a bibliography, Internet links, a reproducible brochure, and sources of audiovisual works with public performance rights. Providing an excellent guide to essentials, Crews's title will be most useful for college and university librarians and educators and for librarians in public libraries. Every school should have access to Copyright for Schools. Because of numerous changes in copyright law, owners of previous editions will find much new information here. Index. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. Appendix. 2001, Linworth, 176p, $42.95 Oversize pb. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Sherry York SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)

School Library Journal

Bielefield, an attorney with an MLS degree, and co-author Cheeseman, a librarian, present an exhaustive, scholarly examination of copyright history and law. They cover international developments in copyright law, judicial decisions, and congressional guidelines, and offer examples of applying the law to real-life situations. Simpson, editor of Technology Connection, writes an excellent overview of copyright issues in a concentrated, practical guide for school library media specialists. Both books carry the important message that educators must understand copyright implications and practice "defensive law." As Simpson notes, you do not have to "do anything to be party to a suit." Both books also suggest many helpful resources to explore. All librarians should own a good, current copyright primer, and Simpson's book fits the bill. The Cheeseman and Bielefield book is more in-depth and theoretical, better suited to those who need more than a basic guide. It does, however, cover some practical situations the Simpson book doesn't, such as distance learning and contractual agreements. Both of these titles are admirable contributions to the professional literature, arming librarians to embrace the information environment without risking costly and embarrassing copyright infringement suits.Lawrence L. Jaffe, University of Delaware

School Library Journal

This resource, which has become the definitive guide for librarians, only gets better and better as Simpson dives into murky and ever-changing digital waters. She expands the scope of the previous edition (2001), particularly in aspects of law and technology. Following general chapters on copyright law, public domain, and fair use are chapters on specific types of materials and uses: print, audiovisual, multimedia, music, computer software, and distance learning. Each section presents typical activities that occur in a school setting, such as students adding clip-art to Powerpoint projects or a librarian bookmarking Web sites for the next day's class. The issues are discussed in terms of the rules and guidelines for use. Specific questions, such as, "I have a teacher who-" are answered in boxes throughout the book and hit the mark for most library-media dilemmas. Sample forms appear within chapters for off-air taping requests, permission requests, and more. An interesting chapter titled "The Software Police" sheds light on software piracy and measures being formed to prosecute violators, aided by provisions under the Digital Millennium simple language and an uncluttered format. A sample copyright policy, copyright and plagiarism guidelines for students, and a copyright infringement reporting form are among the topics that appear in the appendixes, followed by an extensive cross-referenced index. This exhaustive revision is a first purchase for school librarians.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Booknews

Simpson (library and information sciences, U. of North Texas) updates from the 1997 second edition to accommodate changes in technology and growing concerns about the liability of schools. She first explains fair use, then illustrates copyright law for print materials, audiovisual, satellite, software, and photocopying. New sections discuss multimedia and distance learning, and answer questions educators frequently ask. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)