Appointments: Member, Advisory Committee on Copyright and other Legal Matters (CLM)

Term: August 2023-August 2025

Appointments will be made by IFLA’s Governing Board in April 2023

Overview

The Advisory Committee on Copyright and other Legal Matters is responsible for monitoring and responding to key developments on subjects including copyright, licensing, and other laws impacting access to knowledge globally. It has a particular role in contributing to IFLA’s engagement at the World Intellectual Property Organization. It supports both the Governing Board and the wider field.

Who can stand for this position?

Anyone can stand. Candidates do not have to be an IFLA Member or Affiliate, and if elected, are elected in their own right and not as the representative of their employer or nominator.

What is the term of office?

The term of office is two (2) years from 2023 – 2025. This term is renewable once, although individuals would need to stand again for re-election. It is not possible to serve more than four years in a row on the Advisory Committee in any capacity.

What are the roles and responsibilities for this position?

The Advisory Committee on Copyright and other Legal Matters (CLM) provides practical advice to the Governing Board, raises awareness of copyright and other legal issues in the library field and beyond, and cooperates with other committees and groups in support of the Federation’s and the Committee’s overall goals.

The Committee also monitors the status of copyright and other legal matters around the world, highlighting situations where IFLA can take action, supports the development of relationships with relevant global and regional organisations, and supports wider policy development and advocacy.

Find out more about the work of CLM.

What skills and attributes do I need for this position?

A candidate for this position should be able to demonstrate:

  • expertise, experience and interest in copyright and other legal matters;
  • proven ability to contribute meaningfully as part of a committee in order to develop work that supports the wider library field;
  • Interest in communication and representation of the work of the Committee and wider networking;
  • willingness and ability to devote time and energy to the role – this is usually a few hours per month;
  • time allowance to prepare and attend meetings of the Advisory Committee, and financial resources to attend at least the IFLA annual Congress;
  • an ability to act with respect, trust, confidentiality and transparency and recognize the need to protect personal and privileged information. Candidates must declare any conflicts of interest and abstain from discussions where they have a conflict or potential conflict of interest.

How many nominations do I need?

Each candidate requires one (1) nomination for this position.

Who can be a nominator?

IFLA Members can nominate individuals for this position. They have received an election email containing information describing how they can submit a nomination.

How many candidates can each Member nominate for this position?

Each Member can nominate nine (9) candidates for this position.

How do I find a nominator?

Check the list of IFLA Members. You may contact them asking to be nominated.

How do I submit my nominee form?

Those wishing to stand as a candidate will need to submit a nominee form for this position. This should be done once a nominator has been found. In this form you will be asked to provide a statement of up to 200 words describing how you demonstrate the skills and attributes required.

A nomination only becomes valid when there is is both a completed nomination form and a completed nominee form.

More information

Learn more about the remit of Advisory Committees in Rule 14.3.2.1 of the IFLA Rules of Procedure.