Copyright For Schools: A Practical Guide (Paperback)

by Carol Mann Simpson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
This resource, which has become the definitive guide for librarians, only gets better and better as Simpson dives into murky and ever-changing digital waters. She expands the scope of the previous edition (2001), particularly in aspects of law and technology. Following general chapters on copyright law, public domain, and fair use are chapters on specific types of materials and uses: print, audiovisual, multimedia, music, computer software, and distance learning. Each section presents typical activities that occur in a school setting, such as students adding clip-art to Powerpoint projects or a librarian bookmarking Web sites for the next day's class. The issues are discussed in terms of the rules and guidelines for use. Specific questions, such as, I have a teacher who… are answered in boxes throughout the book and hit the mark for most library-media dilemmas. Sample forms appear within chapters for off-air taping requests, permission requests, and more. An interesting chapter titled The Software Police sheds light on software piracy and measures being formed to prosecute violators, aided by provisions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Simpson's accessible style is reflected by simple language and an uncluttered format. A sample copyright policy, copyright and plagiarism guidelines for students, and a copyright infringement reporting form are among the topics that appear in the appendixes, followed by an extensive cross-referenced index. This exhaustive revision is a first purchase for school librarians.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Revised, expanded, and updated, this classic primer for K-12 library professionals now consists of 16 chapters. Chapter 1 covers the basics of copyright law. Chapter 2 brings together information about public domain materials, while chapter 3 addresses fair use and its four main criteria. Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 focus on specific formats, including MP3. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 center on distance learning, the Internet, and computer software. Chapters 11 through 15 consider administrative topics such as school library exemptions, permissions, and copyright policies. Chapter 16 provides 15 appendixes ranging from a sample copyright compliance agreement to a reproducible copyright -questions-and-answers brochure. Most chapters include a works cited list. Simpson's book adds another strong voice to the professional copyright section that should already include Complete Copyright (ALA, 2005), Copyright for Teachers and Librarians (Neal-Schuman, 2004), and Copyright in Cyberspace 2 (Neal-Schuman, 2005). Esther Sinofsky
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Linworth Publishing; 4 edition (June 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586831925
• ISBN-13: 978-1586831929
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #244,450 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Copyright Issues for schools, April 2, 2000

By	C. Pappas "Book Whisperer" (The Great Northwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide (Professional Growth Series) (Paperback)

What an amazing book! Easy to use and indispensable if you are a school library media specialist. Hard to believe a book like this could be EXCITING, but it's always nice to know when you are right and others are not so well informed. Use this book for all the black, white and gray areas of copyright issues. Should you make a "back up" copy of an audio tape? Is it okay to use photos off the web on a personal web page? This book will help you be a legal eagle with copyright issues in your school. Do you really know what "Fair Use" means? What about the legality with video tapes and multiple copies of other resources in the library collection. This highly informative and easy to comprehend book is invaluable as you try to wrap your brain around the complicated and complex copyright issues with print, media and the web. If you are a Library Media Specialist, add it to your personal or professional library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, concise and relevant copyright information, January 13, 2004

By	John Ellis (Albany, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Copyright for Schools : A Practical Guide (Professional Growth Series) (3rd Ed) (Paperback)

Copyright and fair use can be very confusing issues, particularly in education. Many educators over-estimate their protections and privileges under fair use. This book is an ideal resource to help educators determine how copyright and fair use impact them. It clearly describes, with specific examples, what educators can and can not do with copyrighted materials. We purchased copies of the book for all of our academic buildings on campus so that all students and faculty could have access to this valuable resource.

5.0 out of 5 stars Copyright explained, April 27, 2008

By	J. Johnson (Archdale, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has many aspects of copyright and the impact on schools covered. Simpson provides some clear guidelines and realistic scenarios for the impact of copyright. She covers the development of copyright from the English to fairly present day issues even getting into some of the latest laws such as DMCA. I found the book to be very helpful in explaining the use of video in schools and have seen educators face such challenges.