Stay up to date with our latest developments, initiatives, and new resources!
2021 has begun and IFLA is already on the way to being a busy year. While all libraries are facing information access problems because of COVID-19, we are committed to continuing efforts to build better opportunities for users through improved legal frameworks for copyright. Find out what our plans and expectations are for 2021.
IFLA has published a new statement on the role of library and information services in improving the way societies are governed, both through optimal decision-making within government, and effective scrutiny and engagement by parliaments and wider populations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance for libraries to be able to provide services to users through digital channels, and the serious challenges faced in doing so. We interviewed the Library Association of Ireland to find out more about the situation there, and what they are doing about it.
On 16-20 November 2020, the World Intellectual Property Organization hosted the 40th meeting of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR). The objective of this meeting – the first in over a year – was to take stock of work so far, and explore steps forwards on the Committee’s agenda, including its work on exceptions and limitations to copyright for libraries, archives and museums.
IFLA has released its checklist for legal deposit laws, aiming to help those analysing existing laws or planning new ones. It is intended to ensure that key issues or questions are not forgotten, but rather included in reflections on this key area of legislation for libraries and their users.
On 16-20 November 2020, the fortieth session of the Committee on Copyright and Related Rights of the World Intellectual Property Organization will begin. The sessions will take place every day from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (CET). An important meeting in a pandemic context In the context of a global pandemic, WIPO has needed to be flexible, and so is organizing, in agreement with its members, an online meeting to continue discussions on the agenda developed previously at the last meeting in October 2019.
The International Science Council (ISC) is working together with science funders to bring together insights and ideas from the scientific community to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN's 2030 Agenda.
In 2012, the European Union agreed a Directive on Orphan Works (OWD) (e.g. works for which institutions have not identify or located the rightsholder, preventing them from asking for an agreement to use works), to improve legal certainty across the EU in digitising and disseminating these materials.
From 21 to 25 September 2020 the General Assembly of WIPO- the World Intellectual Property Organization – took place in hybrid mode in Geneva and online. IFLA worked alongside partners to represent and promote libraries and their interests on intellectual property issues.
In February 2020, the IFLA received a grant from the Wikimedia Foundation to carry out a WLIC 2020 satellite event in Dublin. Due to developments related to COVID19, the project was transformed into 6 online discussions with professionals in order to discuss projects, issues, progress of Wikidata, Wikibase and bibliographic data in the field of libraries.
The WIPO General Assembly will take place on 21st to 29th September 2020. IFLA will participate in order to make the case for libraries.
IFLA has submitted a response to a consultation by the European Commission on guidance to Member States on how to implement the controversial new provisions on internet platforms introduced by the 2019 Copyright Directive. In the face of efforts by rightholder organisations to wish away the protections offered for user rights – including the enjoyment of exceptions and limitations to copyright – IFLA has joined other groups working to safeguard these guarantees as part of a balanced overall regime.
The European Commission has launched its long-awaited consultation on the Digital Services Act (DSA) which will develop new rules for internet platforms. These rules will potentially set new standards for government regulation online and, therefore, have a global impact on all digital stakeholders, including the library field.
IFLA has called for South Africa’s Parliament to return the country’s Copyright Amendment Bill to the President for signature, and to reject the questionable allegations of unconstitutionality made against it.
A crucial moment in the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty in Brazil is approaching, with a consultation on implementing regulations closing tomorrow. Libraries are active in calling for this to respect international best practice and respect the spirit of the Treaty.
IFLA took part in the second session of the conversation on Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on 7-9 July 2020.
There has been disappointing news from Mexico, where recent copyright legislation risks making access to information significantly harder, while also undermining the role of the judiciary and lawmakers. Local libraries and other actors are calling for a constitutional review.
IFLA is pleased to announce that it is receiving a grant from the Wikimedia Foundation as part of the WikiCite project.
IFLA has responded to two draft roadmaps published by the European Commission as part of its Digital Service Act consultations.
Following years of advocacy in favour of long-overdue copyright reforms, libraries in South Africa will need to wait a while longer for change. Following pressure from foreign governments, the Parliament will now have to reconsider the Copyright Amendment Bill.