Quoting from PS News. Edition Number 543f. Updated Friday 24 March 2017. http://www.psnews.com.au/aps/543/news/libraries-winners-from-copyright-changes?utm_source=aps543&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news1&utm_campaign=newsletter_aps
Libraries winners from copyright changes
The Department of Communications and the Arts has announced new laws to streamline and simplify copyright rules, allowing libraries and archives greater flexibility when collecting, preserving and granting access to copyright material.
The new rules will enable people with a disability to enjoy fair access to copyright material in formats suitable to their individual needs and follows Australia’s ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty, which came into force on 30 September 2016.
Announcing the new legislation, Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield said it would make it easier for students and educators to use copyright material in the digital education environment.
Easier access to digital material
Senator Fifield used the example of students taking examinations that were prepared online.
“Educational institutions and copyright collecting societies will have the flexibility to develop their own agreements for use of copyright material, instead of being constrained by prescriptive regulation,” Senator Fifield said.
“The Bill will protect Australia’s cultural heritage and ensure that it is available for future generations.
“Libraries and archives will have greater flexibility in how they undertake their preservation functions, and in providing greater access to and use of unpublished material that is historic and culturally valuable.”
The Minister said the Bill had been the subject of extensive consultation with copyright users and rights holders.
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