1. Library Survey: March 3rd to 14th
It’s that time again…the Library @ Mohawk wants to hear from you! From March 3rd to March 14th, you will be invited to complete the LibQUAL+ User Perception Survey. This is a very long name for an online survey that will only take 8 or 9 minutes of your time.
Don’t be shy – this is a great chance to let us know your opinions so we can make improvements to the Library‘s services and programs. Tell us what you think – the good and the bad (or not so bad) and you will be entered to win some great prizes like an iPod touch. The Library @ Mohawk is your library so make it count.
Check out The BRAIN or for more information on the survey.
2. Canadian Copyright Law Changes
The Government is looking at changes to our copyright law right now and since copyright affects us all, we thought we’d give you some info about what’s going on. The process hasn’t been that transparent so I can tell you more about who has been lobbying the government and what they’re requesting. In particular, the Canadian Library Association has sent some recommendations to the Government. I reprint portions of their letter to the Minister of Industry, Jim Prentice and the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Josée Verner:
“First, should there be new copyright legislation, it needs to be carefully crafted so that it punishes copyright-infringing behaviour but does not ban devices that might be used to circumvent technological prevention measures. These devices have legitimate uses, such as enabling the print disabled to access copyrighted material; allowing libraries to preserve and maintain digital collections; allowing ordinary Canadians to exercise fair dealing; and allowing anyone to access protected material after its copyright expires. To ban the manufacture or distribution of “circumvention” devices risks punishing all Canadians for the actions of a few who abuse copyright….
Second, the government needs to recognize that government documents and government data belong to all Canadians and that all Canadians should have liberal access to these materials. Canadians often pay for government information several times over. For example, provincial and municipal governments must purchase Statistics Canada census material that Canadian taxpayers have already paid for once. Crown copyright needs to ensure that nonprofit use by Canadians of all government information doesn’t require permission or payment from the government. Instead acknowledgment that information has been taken from a government source should be sufficient.
Third, persons with perceptual disabilities must have the same right to access copyrighted materials as all Canadians have. This right should apply regardless of format in order to accommodate their particular needs. Legislation is required to give persons with perceptual disabilities access equity with others. The desire to punish counterfeiters and pirates should not also punish persons with perceptual disabilities by banning devices that can be used to legitimately access material that is blocked to them by technical protection measures.”
If you would like more information here are some places to look:
Canadian Association of University Teachers
http://www.michaelgeist.ca (Michael is a Canadian coyright guru, he a law professor at the University of Ottawa where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law)
Next week, it’s all about Net Neutrality! Stay Tuned.
