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Dear Chris I don't think there is anything wrong or unduly provocative in putting opinions forward while the opportunity is there - I certainly would agree that the law as it stands creates a not insignificant extra administrative burden on searchroom staff; that it restricts our outreach agenda; and is a constant source of frustration and disappointment for customers (unfortunately taken out on staff!) As it applies to archives at present it all seems overly cautious and the disadvantages appear to outweigh any benefits. How one would change that while safeguarding copyright holders' rights is another matter but I agree we should at least put our "on the ground" points of view forward. (My personal opinion.) Steven Davies Archivist / Archifydd Flintshire Record Office / Archifdy Sir y Fflint Tel./Ffôn: (01244) 532414 Chris Pickford <[log in to unmask]> Sent by: "Archivists, conservators and records managers." <[log in to unmask]> 16/07/2010 12:46 Please respond to Chris Pickford <[log in to unmask]> To [log in to unmask] cc Subject Copyright and the "legislation bonfire" A provocative question, and one that perhaps doesn't need a public answer (at this stage, anyway) But what is being done to alert the Government to uphelpful aspects of copyright legislation - i.e. those with unintended (e.g. unduly restrictive) consequences for archives - in the context of the legislation bonfire? Isn't this an opportunity to flag up problem areas - especially those that inhibit the archival contribution to other aspects of government policy, and those that create unnecessary work (with associated costs)? Just as a reminder, there is a website for the "Your Freedom" project - http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/ - and it asks three main questions: :: Which current laws would you like to remove or change because they restrict your civil liberties? :: Which regulations do you think should be removed or changed to make running your business or organisation as simple as possible? :: Which offences do you think we should remove or change and why? This doesn't need to be tackled centrally. All of us can make submissions as individuals. Many archivists, I suspect, feel that current Copyright law restricts our ability to get our "stuff" out there to the public and creates an irksome administrative workload. Now is an opportunity to comment direct to Government. However, in doing so we do need to be clear about what the specific problems are (and ideally cite legislation / regulations that relate to them). Moreover, solutions do need to be based on continuing respect for the rights of copyright owners. There is some press and public cynicism about the "bonfire", but friends who have made submissions (on non-archival topics) do say that they get the feeling the Government is in listening mode. Be assured, this message is intended as a positive contribution (so please don't dismiss it as mischief making). I have hesitated before pressing the "send" button, which I am now doing in the belief that this MAY chime a chord with many who feel inhibited from airing their views. Is there a groundswell of opinion out there that a lightening of copyright controls would be beneficial to our work? If so, then I believe we need to mobilise it now And also health & safety, employment law, etc, etc - there are opportunities there too, but that's another matter Chris Pickford Contact the list owner for assistance at [log in to unmask] For information about joining, leaving and suspending mail (eg during a holiday) see the list website at https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=archives-nra ********************************************************************** Opinions advice, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of Flintshire County Council shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it or on its behalf, and consequently Flintshire County Council shall bear no responsibility whatsoever in respect thereof. Deellir na fydd unrhyw safbwyntiau, na chynghorion, na chasgliadau nac unrhyw wybodaeth arall yn y neges hon, nad ydynt yn berthnasol i waith swyddogol Cyngor Sir y Fflint, yn cael eu cynnig na'u cadarnhau ganddo nac ar ei ran, ac felly ni fydd Cyngor Sir y Fflint yn derbyn unrhyw gyfrifoldeb am y rhannau hynny o'r neges. ********************************************************************** Contact the list owner for assistance at [log in to unmask] For information about joining, leaving and suspending mail (eg during a holiday) see the list website at https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=archives-nra