Library Advocacy Alert--Support copyright legislation
ALA Public Information Office Linda Wallace (lwallace@ala.org)
Wed, 24 Dec 1997 12:25:02 -0500
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 1997 12:25:02 -0500
Message-Id: <199712241731.MAA10394@comet.connix.com>
From: ALA Public Information Office Linda Wallace (Linda Wallace) <lwallace@ala.org> (by way of mgolrick@sclc.org (Michael A. Golrick))
To: Multiple recipients of list <conntech>
Subject: Library Advocacy Alert--Support copyright legislation
American Library Association
LIBRARY ADVOCACY ACTION ALERT
Please share this message with other library friends asnd supporters.
Date: December 24, 1997
To: All Library Advocates
From: ALA Washington Office
SUPPORT PROPOSED COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION
Help persuade members of the Senate and House to cosponsor Sen.
John Ashcroft's (R-MO) "Digital Copyright Clarification and Technology
Act" (S. 1146) and the "Digital Era Copyright Enhancement Act," jointly
introduced by Representatives Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Tom Campbell
(R-CA) (H.R 3048).
These proposals present the best approach to updating the Copyright
Act to meet the challenges of the digital environment while, at the same
time, preserving the critical balance between copyright owners and
users in the electronic age. Both bills include provisions which are
essential to libraries if we are to effectively serve our patrons,
scholars, researchers, and students in the networked environment.
The most critical first step in this process is to engage members of
Congress and seek their endorsement of these bills.
ACTIONS NEEDED
-- write to your House and Senate delegations requesting
co-sponsorship of these bills (see sample letters )
-- call and visit the members of your Congressional
delegation before January 25, 1998 and ask them specifically
to "cosponsor" S. 1146 or H.R. 3048, as appropriate.
WHY THIS EFFORT IS IMPORTANT
Each year, millions of researchers, students, and members of the
public benefit from access to library collections -- access that
is supported by fair use, preservation programs, interlibrary
loan, and more. We must ensure that the Copyright Act continues
to serve the public who rely upon these collections and services.
The Ashcroft and Boucher-Campbell bills seek to update the
Copyright Act by extending the balance that we currently enjoy so
that owners, creators, and users alike may benefit fully from the
opportunities of the digital environment. These bills
appropriately extend the balance by clarifying or updating
selected privileges granted to libraries, researchers,
educational institutions and others under current law.
SAMPLE LETTERS
FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Hon. (Name of Representative)
United States House of Representatives
Room #, (Cannon, Longworth, or Rayburn) House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Re: Request for Cosponsorship of Critical Copyright Legislation
Dear Representative (Last Name):
I recently learned that bipartisan legislation has been
introduced in the House by Reps. Rick Boucher of Virginia and Tom
Campbell of California which would broadly update United States
copyright law for the future in a way that will both protect the
owners of information and continue to allow librarians and
educators access to information under reasonable circumstances.
I am writing to you today to ask that you lend your name to that
legislation, the Digital Era Copyright Enhancement Act, which
has been assigned number H.R. 3048.
As a [librarian/school librarian/library user/library
trustee/friend of libraries], I feel strongly that any changes
made to the Copyright Act must be balanced in a way that allows
the benefits of the Internet to reach all sectors of society,
especially library users and students. The Boucher/Campbell bill
will accomplish this very important goal in several important
ways. When Congress reconvenes in January, please add your name
to H.R. 3048 as a cosponsor.
Thank you for your assistance in this important debate.
Sincerely,
FOR MEMBERS OF THE SENATE
Hon. (Full Name)
United States Senate
Room #, (Dirkson, Hart, or Russell)Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Re: Request for Cosponsorship of Critical Copyright Legislation
Dear Senator (Last Name):
I recently learned that legislation has been introduced by
Senator John Ashcroft of Missouri which would broadly update
United States copyright law for cyberspace in a way that will
both protect the owners of information and continue to allow
librarians and educators access to information under reasonable
circumstances. I am writing to you today to ask that you lend
your name to that legislation, the Digital Copyright
Clarification and Technology Education Act, which has been
assigned number S. 1146.
As a [librarian/school librarian/library user/library
trustee/friend of libraries], I feel strongly that any changes
made to the Copyright Act must be balanced in a way that allows
the benefits of the Internet to reach all sectors of society,
especially library users and school children. The Ashcroft bill
will accomplish this very important goal in several important
ways. When Congress reconvenes in January, please add your name
to S. 1146 as a cosponsor.
Thank you for your assistance in this important debate.
Sincerely
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For information about contacting your Senators and
Representatives and further background on this critical
legislation, see the ALA Washington Office
website at http://www.ala.org/washoff or the Digital Future
Coalition's home page at http://www.dfc.org.
Or contact Adam Eisgrau, legislative counsel for the
ALA Washington Office, at 800/941-8478.