Resources from four EIFL webinars on copyright issues for libraries, that took place in September and October 2024, are available online. The webinars explored key topics that concern libraries - copyright and AI (artificial intelligence) for science and research; copyright and the commons (open licences); limitations and exceptions for research and development; fair use, fair dealing and fair practice. The topics were suggested by librarians in EIFL partner countries.

The four webinars, that were open to librarians everywhere, were attended by over 740 people from 45 countries, including 24 EIFL partner countries. A big thanks to the expert speakers who generously shared their knowledge and experience with participants.

Webinar topics

Libraries, Copyright and AI for science and research (18 September 2024)

The webinar set out the core principles necessary for the making of AI policy and regulations to support science and research, highlighted AI provisions in copyright laws in different jurisdictions around the world (EU, UK, Ukraine, Singapore, Japan US and Israel), and the status of litigation concerning the use of machine learning technologies. 

The speakers were Benjamin White, Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management (CIPPM), Bournemouth University, and co-founder of Knowledge Rights 21, and Jonathan Band PLLC. The recording and slides are available here.

Libraries, Copyright and the Commons (25 September 2024)

The webinar focused on the topic of Creative Commons (CC) licences, widely used for legally sharing and using copyright-protected works for open education, science and research. It included discussion of the emerging issue of generative AI and CC licences, and presentation of practical tools and resources available to librarians and researchers when applying CC licences to materials. 

The speakers were Shanna Hollich, Learning and Training Manager, Creative Commons, and Milica Ševkušić from EIFL’s Open Access Programme. The recording and slides are available here.

Libraries, Copyright, Research and Development (16 October 2024)

This webinar focused on the role of copyright limitations and exceptions (L&Es) as an intrinsic part of a healthy copyright system and vital tools that enable access to knowledge, research and development. 

The speaker was Faith Majekolagbe, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Canada. The recording and slides are available here.

What’s fair in copyright? Fair use, fair dealing and fair practice (23 October 2024)

The webinar presented three concepts commonly found in copyright laws around the world - fair use, fair dealing and fair practice. It described the origins and key characteristics of each concept of ‘fairness’, highlighted some countries that have these provisions in their copyright laws, and how libraries can benefit from such open, flexible exceptions. It also featured an extended Q&A with questions on cross-border uses of protected material, controlled digital lending, contract override and the application of fair dealing to uses of works.

The speaker was Jonathan Band PLLC. The recording and slides are available here.