Even in the best of times, the uncertain copyright status of archival and special collection materials makes many archivists and librarians uncomfortable. As more and more repositories think about providing access to material on the web, anxiety about possible copyright infringement increases. This workshop will explore what strategies special collections can follow to minimize the risks inherent when reproducing and distributing unique and/or unpublished material. Topics covered will include an introduction to basic copyright law and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act; exemptions to copyright such as fair use and the specific exemptions for libraries and archives; methods for assessing the copyright status of materials; and issues associated with particular formats. Attendees should leave with a better understanding of the basics of copyright and be in a better position to work with senior administrators to establish a mutually acceptable level of institutional risk.
