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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.

Did you know the we also run training sessions?

These include face-to-face in both the capitals and regional centres, and webinars. Find out more on our Training page.

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An historic library with full bookshelves with hundreds of books.

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?
  • Publications
  • Featured

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.
  • Templates
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A photocopier sits alongside a book Loughborugh University Library. returns cart at the

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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  • 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.
  • Publications

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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Material not protected by copyright

You might think copyright protects everything but there are some things that aren't protected.
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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.
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A red sign on a painted red wall that reads, 'No unauthorised persons allowed in here' in white text styled in all capital letters.

Infringement of copyright

Unauthorised use of copyright is an infringement – unless an exception applies.
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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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Department of Communications and the Arts copyright duration tables

Comprehensive copyright duration information published by the Department.
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Reproduction of Works and the Copying of Published Editions Standardised Library Machine Notices
  • 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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Reproduction of Works and the Copying of Published Editions and Audio Visual Items Standardised Library Machine Notices
  • Other Resources
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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Requirements to gain copyright protection

It is important to know how you get copyright protection.
  • FAQs
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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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Exceptions to copyright

Exceptions allow certain uses of copyright material without the permission of the copyright owner.
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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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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.
  • 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?
  • Quick Info
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Rights in copyright

Copyright isn't a single right – it's a number of rights!
  • 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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Copyright Safe Harbour Flowcharts

Two flowcharts to help you understand the copyright safe harbours and how they affect your institution.
  • FAQs
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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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NSLA's guidance for public and private digitisation partnerships

Guidance from National and State Libraries Australia on digitisation arrangements with third-parties.
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A mans' forearm and hand is visible, with his hand positioned in a thumbs up gesture.

Noninfringing uses of copyright

Not every use of copyright protected material is an infringement.
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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.
  • 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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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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NSLA's Copyright information for clients

National and State Libraries Australia's guide for library users about copyright in library collections.
  • FAQs
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What do I have to do to get copyright protection?

Short answer: nothing!
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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 Australia

The Australian chapter of Creative Commons.
  • 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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Copying of Audio Visual Items Standardised Library Machine Notices
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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.
  • 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?
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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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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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Copyright licensing

A licence is a permission to use material granted by the copyright owner and outlining specified terms.
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Smartcopying

A guide to copyright issues for Australian schools and TAFE.
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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.
  • Other Resources

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.
  • 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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Duration of copyright

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

It is important to know who is the owner of copyright.
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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.
  • Presentations

Copyright for Genealogists Webinar

A brief background on copyright law, what it means to you as a genealogist, and how it can be a tool that works for you.
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Sources of copyright law

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