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
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
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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.
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