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Copyright for libraries and archives

The Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition is the primary policy body for copyright issues affecting the library, archive and information sectors in Australia. We provide advocacy, government advice, training and resources.

Advocacy

Learn how we are fighting to make copyright work for libraries and archives.
Resources

Free online resources about Australian copyright law for libraries and archives, from fact sheets to slides to publications.
News

Our latest news, including blog posts and media releases.
Training

Find out about our online copyright training resources, free for most Australian librarians and archivists. Our training programme is currently under review.
  • Quick Info
Featured
The ALACC logo in white on a blue background.

Orphan Works Scheme FAQ

The Copyright Amendment Bill 2026 amends the Copyright Act 1968 to establish an orphan works scheme to facilitate the use of orphan works.

  • Submissions
Featured
CC-BY-SA

Copyright Amendment Bill Passes

The Copyright Amendment Bill amends the Act to introduce a scheme to support reasonable use of copyright material if the copyright owner cannot be identified or located, commonly known as an ‘orphan work’.
  • FAQs
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What is the process for document supply?

I know I can supply materials to clients, but what is the process I need to follow?
  • Quick Info

Copying of Audio Visual Items Standardised Library Machine Notices
  • FAQs
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What do I have to do to get copyright protection?

Short answer: nothing!
  • Quick Info
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The fair dealing exceptions

You can use copyright materials for some specific purposes.
  • FAQs
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Do I have to include a copyright notice on my content?

Should you have the ‘c in a circle’ symbol and your name and date on your material?
  • FAQs
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What does the information in a copyright notice mean?

You see copyright notices on material all the time, but what do they mean?
  • Other Resources

NSLA's guidance on reasonably diligent searches for orphan works

Guidance from National and State Libraries Australia on the identification and use of orphan works.
  • Other Resources

Copyright term flowcharts

Two flowcharts to help you determine the copyright term of materials under the new rules introduced in 2019.
Credits

Heading and body font: ‘Poppins’ 2014–2019, Indian Type Foundry. Font downloads available on Github, github.com/itfoundry/poppins. Web fonts available on Google Fonts, fonts.google.com/specimen/Poppins. Available for reuse under the terms of the SIL Open Font License, scripts.sil.org/OFL.

Support Our Work

Associations and institutions are welcome to apply to become members of the ALCC.

Individuals sign up for our newsletter so we can let you know about our training and advocacy activities.