The EIFL Core Library Exceptions Checklist sets out provisions that every copyright law should have to support modern library activities and services, such as making an electronic copy of a journal article or book chapter for a user, providing library material for use in virtual learning environments, and undertaking digital preservation.

The checklist is a practical way to evaluate your copyright law, identify gaps or see where the law is doing well. It is a starting point for policy advocacy, or to propose amendments if the copyright law in your country is being updated.

The first part of the checklist features library activities and services. The second part deals with cross-cutting issues that affect the scope and efficacy of the exceptions. Each question is accompanied by a short explanatory note and a model provision.

The checklist is accompanied by a scorecard, ‘Rate my copyright law’, and a poster to promote awareness.

The checklist complements the EIFL Draft Law on Copyright Including Model Exceptions and Limitations for Libraries and their Users (2016).

We hope that the checklist is a practical tool that will benefit libraries and their users, and will result in improved copyright laws everywhere.