SYLLABUS

Copyright law is increasingly important to librarians in their daily work.  With advances
in technology, the body of both statutory and case law has increased.  Moreover, in the
United States international treaties and other agreements are dictating changes in the
U.S. law.  Even old library practices, such as library reserves and interlibrary loan, are
attracting the attention of the copyright holder community when new technology is used
to improve and enhance library operations.  The creation of digital libraries has created
even more problems as the owners of copyrighted works strive to increase their control
over access to and use of these works.

The focus of this course is copyright law as it affects libraries and educational institutions.
 

Course Objectives:

                  1.   To understand and appreciate the role copyright law plays in the cultural and
                         intellectual life of individuals;

                  2.    To develop an appreciation of and understand how basic copyright principles,
                          the statute and major cases in areas affecting libraries and education;

                  3.    To analyze how copyright protection has changed with technological
                         developments, especially in the digital environment;

                  4.    To highlight the concerns of the creators, publishers and distributors of
                         copyrighted works;

                 5.    To focus on how libraries and their users are affected by copyright law, and

                 6.    To identify copyright trends that likely will affect libraries in the future.

Textbook:

                                  Arthur R. Miller & Michael H. Davis, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
                                       PATENTS, TRADEMARKS & COPYRIGHT (3d 3d. 2000)
                                              Additional material on the web

                              See Schedule & Readings page for weekly reading assignments

Topics Covered:

                  1.    Copyright law basics
                  2.    Difference in copyright and other forms of intellectual property
                  3.    Exclusive rights of the copyright holder
                  4.    Exemptions to the exclusive rights
                  5.    Copyright infringement
                  6.    Coursepacks
                  7.    Library reserves (print & electronic)
                  8.    Reproduction for research
                  9.    Preservation
                10.    Creation of digital libraries
                11.    Interlibrary loan
                12.    Database legislation
                13.    Distance education
                14.    Anti-circumvention
                15.    Online service provider liability
                16.    Peer-to-peer file sharing
                17.    Hot topics

Assignments:

                  1.    Examination -- both a midterm and a final exam

                  2.    Various presentations to the class, working in groups, etc.

                  3.    Participate both in online and in-class discussions

Classroom approach:

              Class sessions will consist of a combination of lecture, discussion and
                problem solving.

Contact information:

            EMail:     laura_gasaway@unc.edu
            Office:    Kathrine R. Everett Law Library, Room 3030
            Phone:    919-962-2295