Libraries and copyright: Centered around photocopying and borrowing / circulation

Abstract

The author describes how libraries are involved in copyright matters focusing on the photocopying and circulation. Photocopying of works is done without any permission of the copyright holder by libraries specified under the provision of Copyright Law Article 31, otherwise ones must obtain permission from copyright holders in advance of photocopying. There currently exists copyright clearance mechanism represented by organizations such as Japan Reprographic Rights Center (JRRC), The Japan Academic Association for Copyright Clearance, Inc. (JAACC), Japan Copyright Licensing System Co. Ltd. (JCLS). Each of those organizations is briefed. Besides lending right which is not applied to books and journals under the Additional Clauses of the Copyright Law is discussed in terms of how the right will affect library activities if it is applied to books, journals, so on.