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Resources

One of the ALACC’s main goals is to inform and educate Australian libraries and archives about their copyright rights and responsibilities.

To assist this, the ALACC publishes a range of copyright resources to support librarians, archivists and information professionals, including fact sheets, slide shows and case studies.

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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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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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The libraries and archives exceptions

The Copyright Act includes exceptions for libraries and archives.
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The fair dealing exceptions

You can use copyright materials for some specific purposes.
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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?
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A User’s Guide to the Flexible Dealing Provision for Libraries, Educational Institutions and Cultural Institutions

More than 10 year's on our guide to using section 200AB is still useful and relevant.
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Copyright warning notices for use by libraries and archives

Find out about copyright warning notices and how and when they are used.
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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.
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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 Search

A search engine of public domain and Creative Commons-licensed material available for reuse.
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Exceptions to copyright

Exceptions allow certain uses of copyright material without the permission of the copyright owner.
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Infringement of copyright

Unauthorised use of copyright is an infringement – unless an exception applies.
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Copyright term flowcharts

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

Licences and tools for legally share copyright material.
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Reproduction of Works and the Copying of Published Editions and Audio Visual Items Standardised Library Machine Notices
  • FAQs
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What is protected by copyright?

Copyright protects creative works like books, art, music and film but also protects things you may not ordinarily think of.
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Making Content Accessible : A Guide to Navigating Australian Copyright Law for Disability Access

A guide to providing accessible materials under Australian copyright law.
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The logo for Copyright The Card Game – Australian Edition. It features a Kangaroo icon and the words 'Australian Edition' below the Copyright The Card Game logo designed by UK Copyright Literacy who created the original game.

Copyright The Card Game – Australian Edition

Get a copy of the Australian Edition of Copyright The Card Game.
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NSLA's Position statement on copyright

The statement outlines National and State Libraries Australia's support of and respect for the rights of creators while acknowledging that libraries build, preserve and provide equitable access to Australia’s cultural heritage.
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The history of copyright

Understanding the history of copyright law can help you understand what copyright is. The modern copyright system is informed by copyright’s history.
  • Publications

Australia's Online Service Provider Safe Harbours – Guide for Libraries and Archives

What is safe harbour? It is useful for libraries and archives? Find out in our Guide.
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Copyright Safe Harbour Flowcharts

Two flowcharts to help you understand the copyright safe harbours and how they affect your institution.
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Smartcopying

A guide to copyright issues for Australian schools and TAFE.
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Requirements to gain copyright protection

It is important to know how you get copyright protection.
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Ownership of copyright

It is important to know who is the owner of copyright.
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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.
  • FAQs
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What do I have to do to get copyright protection?

Short answer: nothing!
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Do libraries need an APRA AMCOS licence for individuals listening to music on their publicly accessible computers?

An APRA AMCOS licence is not needed for public computers at libraries.
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Copyright information on the Department of Communications and the Arts website

The Department is responsible for managing the Copyright Act and the copyright regulations, as well as copyright policy and international copyright issues. They provide information about copyright on their website.
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Copying of Audio Visual Items Standardised Library Machine Notices
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NSLA's guidance for public and private digitisation partnerships

Guidance from National and State Libraries Australia on digitisation arrangements with third-parties.
  • Presentations

Copyright and Remote Supply Webinar - video and slides

Missed out on our Copyright and Remote Supply Webinar? Watch the full video here.
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Creative Commons Australia

The Australian chapter of Creative Commons.
  • Presentations

ALACC at the ALIA Conference May 2026

Join us for a panel discussion on Orphan Works, Thursday 14th of May, 11 am, Rosehill Gardens, Sydney, NSW
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Reproduction of Works and the Copying of Published Editions Standardised Library Machine Notices
  • 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?
  • FAQs
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I have digitised a public domain photo from the collection, do I own copyright over the digitization?

Does digitising public domain works create a new work protected by copyright?
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Noninfringing uses of copyright

Not every use of copyright protected-material is an infringement.
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Duration of copyright

The term of copyright is long, but it doesn't last forever.
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Department of Communications and the Arts copyright duration tables

Comprehensive copyright duration information published by the Department.
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Copyright licensing

A licence is a permission to use material granted by the copyright owner and outlining specified terms.
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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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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.
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What is not protected by copyright?

Copyright covers a lot of material, but not everything is protected by copyright.
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Material not protected by copyright

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

Do you know what the four levels to the modern copyright system are?
  • Publications

Disability and Other Measures Act fact sheets

We have fact sheets on the new disability access, preservation and copyright duration provisions.
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Making Content Accessible: A Guide to Navigating Australian Copyright Law for Disability Access

A summary of the copyright law governing access to material for people with a disability in Australia and practical advice for applying them.
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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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The copyright notice

People often think a copyright notice is required but it isn't. But if you want to include one, we have some tips.
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Rights in copyright

Copyright isn't a single right – it's a number of rights!
  • FAQs
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What are works of artistic craftsmanship?

Works of artistic craftsmanship are a type of artistic work.
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Story time events by libraries

Story time is a common activity in libraries but what is the copyright situation related to them.
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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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