DRM and fair use

Though this article in D-Lib is a bit of a “complex text” it’s worth reading if you’ve been asking yourself “How can I try to ensure fair use rights in the brave new world of DRM-ed content?” No matter what happens with DRM over the next few months, librarians that manage DRM-ed content are going to have to get a whole lot more tech-savvy, and quick.

The case of library licenses can be implemented by providing libraries with Library customer templates to request Library customer licenses valid for a fixed period of time. Prior to giving out a new copy of a Library customer template, the library can check the PCM to see whether the number of customer licenses in use is fewer than the maximum allowed.

more on Gorman

Can you remember the last time anything a librarian wrote was in the Daypop Top 40? I think I’ll leave Rochelle’s words on the subject as the last thing I’m also thinking about all of this.

if Gorman were not the President-Elect of a major professional organization, I’d not be as het up. I’ve read more concentrated bad-mouthing about libraries, librarians and the ALA the past two days, than I’ve ever seen, and that’s not A-OK. I’m trying to put a positive spin on it and think of it as a growing pain within the profession. We’re long overdue for a growth spurt.
Posted in ala

“blog people” respond

I’ve read a few really good responses to Michael Gorman’s blog people article that are worth sharing. Michael Stephens, Kevin Smith, Jason Griffey and Steven Cohen have written lengthy responses on their blogs. I hear all the hot action is going on on Web4Lib where Blake from LISNews chimes in with some perspective, as does Roy Tennant. This reposting from a Slashdot discussion made me laugh, as did this one.

Gorman obviously has a lot to say. If only there were some tool available to him that would facilitate his putting it online, perhaps with a way for those interested in it to receive a notification when something new was available, and to respond with lively, rough-and-tumble comments…