Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide


Simpson, C. (2010). Copyright for schools: a practical guide (5th ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth. ISBN: 978-1-58683-393-0

Publisher's Description:
"An updated edition of the standard, comprehensive guide to copyright issues affecting schools, this book provides the watertight copyright policy and plan that's a must for every school district.

The potential for copyright violation is all around us. Hiring a DJ to play at a school dance is a likely violation if you don't have a public performance license for the music. Giving away a digital file is considered "commercial use;" also a violation. As copyright owners become more aggressive about enforcement of their intellectual property rights, schools need to understand exactly what is—and what is not—permissible.

Copyright continues to be a timely topic as technology makes determining who owns what more and more complex. Written by the leading copyright authority for libraries, Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide, Fifth Edition is a thoroughly updated version of the industry standard on copyright matters affecting schools.

Starting with an overview of copyright law, the book goes on to cover specific topics medium by medium, including print, software, music, video, multimedia, and more. It addresses new technologies in common use in schools and school libraries and also includes new cases and interpretations, statutory citations, guidance on best practices, and real life questions and answers to typical copyright dilemmas faced by schools. On the theory that preventing legal action is always simpler than defending it, the advice throughout is designed to enable schools to take advantage of their rights under copyright law, while avoiding the "bleeding edge" that may make them targets for copyright owners.

Features
• Sample logs, record-keeping aids, notices, policies, request letters, forms, and instructional materials
• Questions and answers on representative school situations involving copyright, including hot topics like video yearbooks, wikis, and distance learning
• A reproducible copyright brochure suitable for school staff
• Examples of fair-use analysis
• Lists of copyright-cleared media and producers
• A comprehensive bibliography, including Internet links related to copyright

Highlights
• Provides a thoroughly updated version of the standard copyright reference for schools and school libraries
• Includes an extensive revision of chapters on fair use, music, and new technologies
• Explains a complex and confusing topic in ways educators can easily understand
• Shares the expertise of an attorney who regularly defends and advises schools on copyright matters"