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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.
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Featured

Quotations and the need for a Fair Dealing Exception

There is no specific exception for quotation in the Copyright Act (1968) Cth. Because there is a lack of certainty in relation to quotation of copyright material, many copyright users go through lengthy administrative processes to get permission to quote material.

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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.

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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’.
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NSLA's Copyright information for clients

National and State Libraries Australia's guide for library users about copyright in library collections.
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Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative (AIPI)

A cross-industry initiative made up of to address the challenge of improving access to books by people living with a print accessibility.
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A photo of eight Creative Commons stickers arranged on a white background. Each sticker includes the Creative Commons 'two Cs in a circle' symbol with the words, 'Some rights reserved' and the CC website address.

Creative Commons

Licences and tools for legally share copyright material.
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A large arch with the words, 'Welcome to the Indiana State Fair Midway' painted on it.

The fair dealing exceptions

You can use copyright materials for some specific purposes.
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Reproduction of Works and the Copying of Published Editions Standardised Library Machine Notices
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Part of a Monopoly board showing Mayfair and Park Lane with a red hotel on each.

Ownership of copyright

It is important to know who is the owner of copyright.
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A peeling sticker with a red circle and an x crossed over a blue background.

Material not protected by copyright

You might think copyright protects everything but there are some things that aren't protected.
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.

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

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