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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.

Training

Find out about our face-to-face and online copyright training, free for most Australian librarians and archivists.
Resources

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

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

Our latest news, including blog posts and media releases.
  • Media Statements
Featured
The ALACC logo in white on a green background.

Sarah Powell appointed as new ALACC Copyright Law and Policy Adviser

Sarah Powell joins the ALACC as our new Copyright Law and Policy Adviser.
  • Quick Info
Featured
A blue copyright symbol is spray painted on a cream-coloured wall.

A short introduction to copyright

Our Short introduction to copyright provides a solid overview of the key elements of copyright law in Australia.
  • Quick Info
Featured
A child wearing a knight costume and holding a home-made shield and battle axe made out of cardboard and aluminium foil.

Material protected by copyright

Material must fall into one of the two categories of things to be protected by copyright: Works and subject-matter other than works.
  • Quick Info
Featured
White words reading 'Look right' are on the surface of a bitumen road.

Rights in copyright

Copyright isn't a single right – it's a number of rights!
  • Quick Info
Featured
A photo of an art deco clock showing the time as 1:31. The clock features a white face with large black numbers and hour and minute hands.

Duration of copyright

The term of copyright is long, but it doesn't last forever.
  • Publications

Disability and Other Measures Act fact sheets

We have fact sheets on the new disability access, preservation and copyright duration provisions.
  • Quick Info
An historic library with full bookshelves with hundreds of books.

The libraries and archives exceptions

The Copyright Act includes exceptions for libraries and archives.
  • Other Resources
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 Search

A search engine of public domain and Creative Commons-licensed material available for reuse.
  • FAQs
10 white question marks stenciled onto a grey-green wall. The grey-green paint is peeling revealing maroon paint underneath.

Is fair dealing the same thing as fair use?

People often think that Australia has fair use but we don't – we have fair dealing.
  • Quick Info
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.

Support Our Work

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

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