Copyright and Exceptions for Libraries and Research: International Perspectives and Local Action

3 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia – Leading international copyright lawyer and scholar, Professor Kenneth Crews, lectured at the American University of Armenia on October 23, 2015. In his presentation, Professor Crews, who has conducted a comparative analysis of library copyright statues in 188 countries, including Armenia, focused on copyright exceptions for libraries and the educational sector.

Professor Crews spoke about the common mission of copyright and libraries, why and how copyright matters to libraries, especially in the digital age when libraries provide access to e-resources, and universities transform into virtual learning environments (VLEs).

“We are delighted about the visit of such a prominent copyright expert to Armenia. Copyright issues come up every day in our work as librarians, especially in the context of increasing digital e-resources and VLEs, such as the Moodle platform used at American University of Armenia. Professor Crews provided valuable professional insight and knowledge to help us in our work,” said Hasmik Galstyan, Head of Reference at AUA’s AGBU Papazian Library who helped organize the event.

Professor Crews was joined by Teresa Hackett, Copyright and Libraries Program Manager for Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) that funded the seminar. Hackett emphasized the important role of libraries in providing people with access to knowledge.  She also expressed her appreciation for Galstyan, who is the EIFL Copyright Coordinator in Armenia, for her work with international and local copyright officials in reviewing library-related provisions in the national copyright law, and for being an effective advocate for libraries when the laws are being amended.

Maja Maricevic, Head of Higher Education (HE) at the British Library, who was in Yerevan for the EIFL- Open Access event, also attended. “Professor Crews’ presentation was an excellent overview of developments in the international copyright environment.  It was especially valuable in setting out clearly that in the changing digital environment it is very important to foster international dialogue and cooperation…Issues and solutions concerning copyright are rarely simple and that they require careful balancing of different interests, especially commercial interests, enabling favorable conditions for business growth, and positive outcomes for non-commercial use in libraries and universities.”

Local participants raised the problem of lack of access to essential textbooks and other course materials due to the high costs and practical difficulties in obtaining foreign-published books in Armenia. AUA student Loris Kroyan described how several students must share a single copy of a book that is kept in the library. Kroyan said he is prohibited from copying the material he needs due to copyright restrictions, which is a source of immense frustration. He hopes that the copyright law will be fixed to take into the account the reality of the situation studying in Armenia.

About 30 people participated in the event, which was organized by the AGBU Papazian Library and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences LL.M. program.    Christine Hambaryan, Head of the Copyright Department of Armenian Intellectual Property Agency, and Anna Chulyan, Director of Electronic Library Consortium of Armenia, (ELCA) were among the participants. Other participants included members of the Armenian library community, other ELCA members, colleagues from several university libraries, the library of the National Assembly of Armenia, AUA faculty, students, and law department alumni.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.

 

Standing from left to right, Maja Maricevic, Head of HE at British Library, AUA librarians, Hasmik Galstyan and Satenik Avakian, Professor Kenneth Crews, and EIFL-IP Program Manager Teresa Hackett.

 

Participants during Professor Kenneth Crews’ presentation on copyright issues.