How copyright affects interlibrary loan and electronic resources in Canada

Robert Tiessen

doi:10.1108/02641611211214297

Document Information:
Title:	How copyright affects interlibrary loan and electronic resources in Canada
Author(s):	Robert Tiessen, (Access Services, University of Calgary Library, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada)
Citation:	Robert Tiessen, (2012) "How copyright affects interlibrary loan and electronic resources in Canada", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 40 Iss: 1, pp.49 - 54
Keywords:	Canada, Copyright, Intellectual property, Interlibrary loan, Licence agreements
Article type:	General review
DOI:	10.1108/02641611211214297 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:	Received 21 December 2011. Accepted 21 December 2011. Published with the kind permission of IFLA, http://www.ifla.org/ This paper was originally presented at the IFLA 12th Interlending & Document Supply Conference held in Chicago, Illinois, 19-21 September 2011.
Abstract:	Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how interlibrary loan practice and access to electronic resources in Canada are affected by copyright law, copyright collectives, and license agreements. Design/methodology/approach – The author summarizes the current Canadian copyright laws and copyright collectives governing interlibrary loan practices, reviews the terms of typical electronic resource license agreements, describes how copyright laws in the USA are often imposed upon Canadian libraries through their various license agreements, and discusses the confusion created by these often conflicting obligations. Findings – Although the current state of Canadian copyright law creates confusion for libraries, the promise of new legislation and future Supreme Court rulings may help resolve some thorny issues. Originality/value – The paper provides a thorough review of Canadian copyright law as it pertains to interlibrary loan practices. It should be of great interest to any interlibrary loan practitioner who is interested in copyright issues, licensing agreements, and their combined impact upon the future of resource sharing.