Original posting on this topic is reproduced below; the response follows it:
From: "Coughlin, Ruth" <Ruth-Coughlin_at_Eureka.Redwoods.cc.ca.us>
ALL:
I have found in our collection many books that are obviously desk copies,
i.e., those free books given to faculty to induce them to consider purchase
as textbooks for classes. These have been added to the library collection in
previous years, before my time. I have also collected a few from faculty who
give them to the library along with other donations from their offices. I am
wondering if this is a violation of copyright on these books. At the very
least, it seems unethical to add into library collections, for multiple use,
books that are obviously intended as a marketing tool targeting professors,
and not for free use by anyone as in a library. I am hoping that there is
someone on the list more knowledgeable in this matter than I with some
helpful advice. What do list members think about this? Please excuse me if
this issue has been addressed previously and I somehow missed it. Please
reply to me directly and I will summarize for the list. Thank you,
Ruth E. Coughlin, Librarian
College of the Redwoods Eureka Campus
707 - 476 - 4263
Ruth-Coughlin_at_Eureka.Redwoods.cc.ca.us
http://www.redwoods.cc.ca.us/MAIN/Services/Library/index.htm
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From: "Freya Anderson" <libkitty_at_hotmail.com>
I would think that as far as copyright is concerned, you should be safe
unless there is something in the book that specifically states that the
book is basically given to the professor with a limited license. If the
book were given with a limited license and this wasn't noted on the book,
then the professor might get in trouble, but I don't see how the library could.
Ethically, I would think that you would be in good shape, since my
understanding is that usually the books are not requested by the professor,
but rather sent without notice by the publishing company.
Just my $0.02, as a non-lawyer,
Freya Anderson
ILL Librarian
Alaska State Library
Received on Mon May 21 2001 - 09:41:29 EDT