European Library, Research, and Science Organisations Call For Modifications to EU Copyright Reform Proposals

From LIBER (Association of European Research Libraries):

LIBER is one of five key European research organisations calling on legislators to modify current EU copyright reform proposals, giving Europe the opportunity to become a global leader in data-driven innovation and research.
In a statement released today, LIBER, CESAER, EUA, LERU and Science Europe — which together represent hundreds of universities, libraries, funders and research performing organisations — say amendments in five main areas are critical if Europe wants to be at the forefront of a prosperous and growing digital society, the vision set out by the European Commission in its strategy for a Digital Single Market.
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The areas singled out for change are those that directly affect the research and education sector. Key among the request modifications are those related to Text and Data Mining (TDM). The proposed Directive only gives a mandatory TDM exception to research organisations doing scientific research. This must be redrafted so that any individual or organisation with legal access to content can also legally use digital technologies to mine that content. Furthermore, the Directive must clarify that technical measures may not be used to prevent beneficiaries from exercising their rights under an exception, or to impose unreasonable limitations on how TDM is performed.
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Modifications are also needed in relation to proposed legislation governing the supply of documents and use of materials for cross-border teaching and research, ancillary copyright, and transparency obligation. Without these modifications, cross-border research activities and the deployment of new technologies for research and innovation will be impeded by legal uncertainty. By removing these remaining barriers in the current proposal for copyright in the Digital Single Market, Europe’s research and innovation communities will have the the framework they need to ensure that the most advanced research and innovation practices can be applied for the benefit of society, now and for the future.

Statement Signed by:

• CESAER, the Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research
• EUA, the European University Association
• LERU, the League of European Research Universities
• LIBER, the Association of European Research Libraries
• Science Europe

Direct to Full Text of Statement
3 pages; PDF.

Filed under: Academic Libraries, Data Files, Libraries, News