Press Release: Our claim for copyright reform in Europe
06 July 2016
The Hague, 06 July 2016
[ PDF version ]
European libraries play a fundamental role in developing and maintaining a reading culture, in research and education, in the preservation of human memory and the advancement of society. Their unique missions respects the individual's right to develop their intellect through reading, learning and research, whatever their circumstances. These are essential to maintaining Europe's premier position as a generator of ideas and discovery.
To continue to deliver their public interest mission, they need laws that reflect the times.
EBLIDA together with the International library community and cultural heritage organisations welcome the ambition of EU Commission’s President Juncker and Vice-President Ansip to reform European copyright rules to reflect the changes brought about by advancements in digital technologies.
We therefore put forward a proposal for concrete changes that will provide greater legal certainty for library users and for librarians going about their daily work by:
- further harmonisation of exceptions and limitations related to libraries, education and research,
- a clear exception for text and data mining and
- greater protection for library users’ rights against technological measures or contract terms that otherwise restrict them.
To strike the right balance we call on the Commission, MEPs, Member States and other stakeholders to work with us to achieve these changes.
Read the full document: "Towards a modern, more European Copyright Framework:" Adapting Exceptions to Digital and Cross-border Environments - Recommendations by European library and other cultural heritage organisations.
More Information
This position reflects EBLIDA’s current position and was put together conjointly as an advocacy document by EBLIDA, IFLA, LIBER, Europeana and Public Libraries 2020.
EBLIDA, the European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations, is an independent umbrella association of library, information, documentation and archive associations and institutions in Europe representing 100+ member organisations and by extension 70.000 libraries in Europe.
IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.
LIBER is the Association of European Research Libraries is a network of 400+ national, university and other libraries. Together we work to represent the interests of European research libraries, their universities and their researchers on key topics such as copyright and open access.
Europeana is Europe's Digital Library. It offers direct access to digitised books, audio and film material, photos, paintings, maps, manuscripts, newspapers and archival documents that are Europe's cultural heritage.
Public Libraries 2020 brings together library organisations and advocates from across the EU to raise awareness of the value of public libraries as partners for social and economic development under the Europe 2020 strategy. PL2020 promotes how libraries are contributing to European policy objectives in three main areas: social inclusion, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning.
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