Product Review

An updated edition of the standard, comprehensive guide to copyright issues affecting schools, this book provides the watertight copyright policy and plan that's a must for every school district.

Copyright continues to be a timely topic as technology makes determining who owns what more and more complex. Written by the leading copyright authority for libraries, Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide, Fifth Edition is a thoroughly updated version of the industry standard on copyright matters affecting schools.

Starting with an overview of copyright law, the book goes on to cover specific topics medium by medium, including print, software, music, video, multimedia, and more. It addresses new technologies in common use in schools and school libraries and also includes new cases and interpretations, statutory citations, guidance on best practices, and real life questions and answers to typical copyright dilemmas faced by schools. On the theory that preventing legal action is always simpler than defending it, the advice throughout is designed to enable schools to take advantage of their rights under copyright law, while avoiding the "bleeding edge" that may make them targets for copyright owners.

• Sample logs, record-keeping aids, notices, policies, request letters, forms, and instructional materials

• Questions and answers on representative school situations involving copyright, including hot topics like video yearbooks, wikis, and distance learning

• A reproducible copyright brochure suitable for school staff

• Examples of fair-use analysis

• Lists of copyright-cleared media and producers

• A comprehensive bibliography, including Internet links related to copyright