Dear all,

Please see our EBLIDA Press Release “our claim for copyright reform in Europe” published online and on social media yesterday and with text available below.

Press Release: Our claim for copyright reform in Europe

The Hague, 6 July 2016

European libraries play a fundamental role in developing and maintaining a reading culture, in research and education, in the preservation of human memory and the advancement of society. Their unique missions respects the individual’s right to develop their intellect through reading, learning and research, whatever their circumstances. These are essential to maintaining Europe’s premier position as a generator of ideas and discovery.

To continue to deliver their public interest mission, they need laws that reflect the times.

EBLIDA together with the International library community and cultural heritage organisations welcome the ambition of EU Commission’s President Juncker and Vice-President Ansip to reform European copyright rules to reflect the changes brought about by advancements in digital technologies.

We therefore put forward a proposal for concrete changes that will provide greater legal certainty for library users and for librarians going about their daily work by:

• further harmonisation of exceptions and limitations related to libraries, education and research,
• a clear exception for text and data mining and
• greater protection for library users’ rights against technological measures or contract terms that otherwise restrict them.

To strike the right balance we call on the Commission, MEPs, Member States and other stakeholders to work with us to achieve these changes.

Read the full document here.