Trexler Library Scuttlebutt

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A Monthly Update
6/12/09

The Google Book Settlement and Your Copyrights

In 2004, Google announced a plan to partner with major research libraries to digitize portions of those libraries’ collections. Since that announcement, the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers sued Google in a class action suit, saying that posting of works online (or portions of works) violated their copyrights.

A proposed settlement was announced on October 28, 2008. The settlement is complex. The settlement doesn’t apply to books published after January 5, 2009, and it only deals with books that are out of print but still under copyright.

If you are an author of a book that is in-copyright and out-of-print and is registered with the US Copyright Office prior to January 5, 2009, you may want to explore your options regarding the recently proposed settlement with Google, to be decided on October 7 of this year. To explore your options, follow these guidelines, ones proposed by Baylor University legal counsel to their faculty and staff:

  • Search Google Books to see if any of your books are in the database.
  • Identify the copyrights that you own, either by reviewing the agreements you signed with the publisher or by contacting the publisher.
  • If you assigned some or all of the rights to the publisher, contact the publisher and ask how they plan to address the Settlement.
  • If you are a rightsholder with books in Google Books, you can remain in the Settlement. This means that you will be bound by the court’s ruling, including a release of claims against Google. See Google Book Settlement about remaining in the settlement.
  • If you are a rightsholder with books in Google Books, you can opt out of the Settlement. This means that you retain your right to sue Google individually. You must opt out in writing by September 4, 2009.See Google Book Settlement about opting out of the settlement.
  • Those who decide to remain in the Settlement can also file an objection. Objections must be filed by September 4, 2009. See Google Book Settlement about filing an objection.
  • File a claim for a cash payment (if you are eligible) by January 5, 2010. See Google Book Settlementabout filing for a cash payment.
  • If you are the rightsholder and the book is out-of-print, you can opt out of the default mode (making snippets and previews available). By opting out, only bibliographic information will display for your book; however, users may be more inclined to purchase access to the full text if you let them preview the full text. See Google Book Settlement about opting ouf of the default mode.
  • If you are the rightsholder and the book is still in print, consider opting in to the default mode (making snippets and previews available) because this ability to preview your book may drive more users to purchase your book. See Google Book Settlement about opting in to the default mode.
  • For additional information go to the Google Book Settlement (http://www.googlebooksettlement.com/).

***NOTE: A “Coffee and Copyright” discussion will be held at Trexler Library on October 23 at 10 a.m., following the determination of the Google Books settlement. Mark your calendar now to attend!***

Infomaniac Tip of the Week

Attachments too big to send via email? Try an online dropbox!

Sharing large files is easy with an online dropbox. From a dropbox’s website, just upload your file. The service will provide you with a URL that you can then email to your colleagues or friends. They in turn visit the URL and download the file for their use.

Some of these dropbox services include:

Each of the above services offers a free option, although subscription accounts are available for more advanced features. The features of each service can vary. While sendspace has basic file sharing capabilities, for example, others can offer more advanced features for file management. The length of time for which files are shareable varies, but all services make files available from at least 30 days to up to a year. Account upgrades can increase the length. Check the services’ websites for more information, including online tours and FAQs.

Happenings

Display: “Homage to John Updike,” June 1-30, Level A Terrace in the library.

Allentown School District History Day Research Workshop, July 13 & 14, Information Commons.

Teaching with Technology: A Workshop for Faculty (co-hosted by Library and Faculty Ctr. for Teaching), August 25, Seegers Union.