As more libraries find themselves needing to cancel big subscription deals or just subscribe to fewer journals, they increasingly rely on Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to meet researcher needs. In both the United States and Canada, ILL is enabled by copyright law as well as being supported by fair use/fair dealing provisions. However, some publishers are taking actions or pushing contract provisions that create chilling effects for libraries and aim to put limitations on ILL lending. If libraries agree to these terms, the ability to lend or borrow via ILL, especially in a digital environment, may be severely curtailed.
On May 19 at 1 pm ET/ 10am PT, SPARC will host a program for libraries to learn more about these trends and discuss them with colleagues. The program will feature speakers from both US and Canadian organizations who will provide background and context about the legal issues involved, address the history and evolution of guidelines like CONTU in the US (Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works) and how to interpret and use them, and provide examples of contract terms to be aware of and how to look out for them. Participants will learn how to recognize potentially problematic tactics and discuss potential actions that can be taken to push back against them. Following the introductory presentations, there will be time for Q&A and discussion.
The introductory speakers for this program are:
- Kevin Smith, Retired Dean of Libraries and Professor of copyright law, University of Kansas
- Felicity Walsh, Head of Information Delivery and Library Access, MIT Libraries
- Katie Zimmerman, Director of Copyright Strategy, MIT Libraries
- Donald Taylor, University Copyright Officer, Head, Interlibrary Loans, and Research Repository (Summit) Coordinator, Simon Fraser University
- Stephen Spong, Copyright Officer and Associate Librarian (Teaching & Learning Team), Western University
Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance and to share their relevant experiences live during the session. Please use the relevant fields in the registration form to add any questions you have for the speakers and to indicate if you have experience in this area you’d like to share.
This event is open to those at academic institutions and will not be recorded.