As in the past two years, this edition of "Long Arm of the Law" will offer analytical updates about some of the most current, library-impacting legal cases, such as the Google Book Settlement, Kirtsaeng v. Wiley, the much-discussed Georgia State University e-reserves case, and the brand new ruling in the Authors' Guild vs. Hathi Trust case.
Additionally, this year's session will provide a global library component. To fulfil their mission, libraries need consistent international copyright norms, together with legal flexibilities known as "limitations and exceptions." In copyright systems, these L&Es provide balance between users and creators of protected works. After several years in development, IFLA is working with WIPO Member States to gain support for a binding international instrument (treaty) on copyright limitations and exceptions to enable libraries worldwide to preserve their collections, support education and research, and lend materials. To demonstrate what is needed, IFLA, together with the International Council on Archives (ICA), Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) and Corporación Innovarte, has produced a Treaty proposal (‘TLIB') to guide WIPO's Member States in updating limitations and exceptions for libraries worldwide. Winston Tabb, who has been leading this international effort, will give Charleston attendees a presentation about the all-important and ground-breaking TLIB, "The Draft Treaty on Copyright Exceptions and Limitations for Libraries and Archives."
