Copyright for Archivists and Records Managers (4th ed.)

Citation

Hanlon, S. (2011), "Copyright for Archivists and Records Managers (4th ed.)", Records Management Journal, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 167-168. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691111152125

Copyright remains a vastly controversial and fast moving area of intellectual property law and once again, Tim Padfield has provided a highly readable, easily navigable up‐to‐date guide. While the title specifies archivists and records managers, the readability and the organisation of the sections within this book, makes it accessible to a broader range of people who handle copyright materials. On the other hand, to have a book which has been written with archivists and records managers in mind does make it especially invaluable in addressing the specific archives and records management copyright requirements and questions. This is a clear reflection of Padfield's own wealth of experience from working for at the National Archives (formerly the Public Record Office) and his role as chair of the Library and Archives Copyright Alliance and adviser on copyright to the Society of Archivists. Some of the specific areas covered include primary and secondary infringements that particularly apply in the field of archives and records management, copyright issues associated with digital rights management systems and a section on records in the electronic environment. The chapter on special cases examines copyright for a number of different types of records and archives, including areas of such fascinating interest as local authority records including pre‐twentieth century material, records of ecclesiastical and religious bodies, public records, estate and manorial records, maps, charts, etc. as well as certain business, legal and hospital and medical records.

Padfield looks at the fundamentals of copyright and discusses some of the difficulties in determining how ownership is determined particularly when this is by companies rather than individual authors. He also includes variations between countries such as how they differ with regard to copyright durations as well as variations in how the regulations apply in the Isle of Man. Updated material is provided on recent court cases in both the UK and the European Court of Justice, and also on changes to the licensing of Crown copyright material. Padfield provides an insightful discussion on the legitimacy of the electronic supply of copies by archives.

There is also a wealth of legal cases which are discussed in an accessible way, thus creating a useful reference on areas of precedence.

This is a wonderful resource and the next edition is already eagerly awaited.