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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