US copyright law: the challenge of protection in the digital age

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the background on copyright law in the USA and how potential orphan works and broadcast flag laws may affect it.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical overview of copyright law, including why fair use is important, and shows how changing technology may affect how library and school work with copyrighted materials.

Findings

Growing digital technologies have changed the way people use copyrighted materials, and copyright law should reflect that. However, considerations should be made to ensure that the public's interests in the form of fair use are still protected.

Originality/value

The article emphasizes the importance of intellectual property, as well as the importance of people being able to have access to copyrighted materials.

Citation

Long, S.A. (2006), "US copyright law: the challenge of protection in the digital age", New Library World, Vol. 107 No. 9/10, pp. 450-452. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800610702633