For those who doubt the complexity of U.S. copyright law take a look at this online slide-rule from the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy. It’s designed to help librarians and others figure out if a creative work is copyright protected. The exceptions to the law, and the exceptions to the exceptions, are reminiscent of the nerve-wracking U.S. tax code.
For example, say you have a book that was created before 1979 and published before January 1, 2003. Is permission needed to reuse the book? According to the slide-rule, maybe. Generally speaking, the book is copyright protected through 2047. Then again, the protection could last longer.—Andrea L. Foster
Developing online and blended learning programs requires research and collaboration. Learn how top technology companies are partnering with campuses across the country to advance online learning as it becomes an increasingly important aspect of higher education.