Press Release: European Commission puts challenges of books digitisation for authors, libraries and consumers on EU’s agenda

On 19 October 2009 the European Commission adopted a Communication on Copyright in the Knowledge Economy aiming to tackle the important cultural and legal challenges of mass-scale digitisation and dissemination of books, in particular of European library collections. The Communication was jointly drawn up by Commissioners Charlie McCreevy and Viviane Reding. Digital libraries such as Europeana will provide researchers and consumers across Europe with new ways to gain access to knowledge. For this, however, the EU will need to find a solution for orphan works, whose uncertain copyright status means they often cannot be digitised. Improving the distribution and availability of works for persons with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired, is another cornerstone of the Communication.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 21.10.09: EU to tackle digital book copyright in 2010 http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/eu-tackle-digital-book-copyright-2010/article-186586

ESO: Background information: Website: Europeana http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-europeana-collections/

EurActiv Links Dossier, October 2009-: Digitisation of published works http://www.euractiv.com/culture/digitisation-published-works-linksdossier-188518

---