Copyright for NHS Libraries
Copyright for NHS Libraries
NHS Education Scotland, Knowledge Services Group
2 Central Quay, Hydepark Street, Glasgow
14th June 2007
On Thursday 14th June I attended a half day copyright course aimed at NHS Libraries. The course involved a presentation from Jim MacNeilage, who works for the CLA dealing with copyright issues in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and then a question and answer session.
I was not initially excited about attending the course (I didn’t think that Copyright was the most interesting topic in the world). However after a challenging copyright query at work the week before, I realised I had gaps in my knowledge, and that I would greatly benefit from attending the course. Obviously I was not the only person who realised this, as the course was very well attended, and it turned out that training on copyright by Jim MacNeilage occurred infrequently, so it was a very good opportunity.
Jim’s presentation was informative and interesting, he explained what the CLA actually do (which is not, as I believed, waiting to pounce on misguided Library staff who may have accidentally breeched copyright law), what the license allows and does not allow you to do, and who is covered by the license. He also looked at the issues and rules surrounding photocopying and scanning items (who is allowed to photocopy, who is allowed to scan, how much of a book or journal are allowed to be copied, and what you are allowed and not allowed to do with photocopied and scanned material etc). He also covered issues to do with creating material for visually impaired Library users, and the implications the Internet and digital technology has on copyright such as deep linking and the possible creation of a core digital blanket license across digital subscriptions.
Jim’s presentation gave us time to reflect on our own practices (including staring awkwardly at the floor when asked who frequently checked the list of excluded works or categories, available online) So by the time the question and answer session came round we had lots of questions to asks. Queries to do with CAB abstracts (yes, they are copyright protected but are covered by the license as long as the CAB only goes to NHS Scotland staff), Microsoft Clipart (no, you can’t use Clipart images in promotional materials, under the NHS Copyright License), were just some of the questions cleared up for us.
Overall the course was very useful and Jim MacNeilage gave a lively presentation that showed that copyright is not boring, although to be fair he did talk for a while about his motorbike, chasing younger women, and gave out a pack of cards as a reward for a correctly answered question. On a serious note, I feel better equipped to deal with copyright queries and appreciate the support that Jim is able to offer NHS Scotland Library staff over Copyright issues
If you would like a copy of my notes, or a copy of the presentation slides please contact me, my details are below.
You can contact Jim MacNeilage with copyright queries on 0131 272 2711 or email jim.macneilage@cla.co.uk
The following website was recommended to help keep up to date with copyright law http://www.ipo.gov.uk/home.htm
Edith MacKenzie
Assistant Librarian
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Library Network
North (Acute)
Tel: 0141 211 1239
Email: edith.mackenzie@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk