Urging The United States Congress To Amend Federal Copyright Law To Explicitly Protect Current Lending Practices Of Nonprofit Online Libraries.
Impact
If enacted, the resolution would encourage a shift in federal copyright legislation to explicitly allow nonprofit online libraries to lend digital copies of books without infringing on copyright. This change would safeguard existing lending practices that involve lending digital versions of books while ensuring that the number of digital copies lent does not exceed the hardcopies in the library's inventory. The resolution recognizes the significant role these libraries play in enabling access to knowledge, particularly in a digital age where traditional means of borrowing books may not suffice.
Summary
SCR70 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to amend federal copyright law to protect the lending practices of nonprofit online libraries. It emphasizes the importance of access to publications for fostering an informed populace, which is a cornerstone of democracy. By supporting nonprofit online libraries in maintaining and lending digital versions of books, SCR70 seeks to facilitate broad access to knowledge and educational resources for the public without the constraints imposed by current copyright laws.
Contention
The resolution springs from concerns raised by various publishers about the legality of nonprofit online libraries' lending practices, particularly highlighted by the ongoing case of Hachette Book Group, Inc. v. Internet Archive. An adverse ruling in this case could limit the capacity of nonprofit online libraries to serve their patrons effectively, sparking significant controversy over the balance between copyright protections and public access to books and educational materials. Proponents argue that protecting these lending practices is crucial for maintaining the availability of information, whereas opponents from the publishing industry may view such measures as undermining their rights.
Same As
Urging The United States Congress To Amend Federal Copyright Law To Explicitly Protect Current Lending Practices Of Nonprofit Online Libraries.
Enacts certain provisions governing the confidentiality of certain personal information of a donor, member or volunteer of a nonprofit organization. (BDR 19-605)