Skip to main content

Recently Asked Questions

To search the RAQ database, use the search box at the top of the page. Recordings of Ask the Lawyer webinars and more information can be be found on the Resources Page.

Submit a Question to Ask the Lawyer About the Service

Displaying 1 - 3 of 3
Question Submission Date
School Libraries Template for Copiers

We were asked about signage to post over the copier at a schools where educational materials are copied. Below is some template language with footnotes explaining why they say what they do.  Of course, before posting in your school or library, check with your lawyer!

Lawfulness of digitizing VHS commercial movies to DVD

We recently purchased equipment that is capable of converting VHS tapes to DVDs that will be used by staff and patrons. We were initially thinking of it being used for home movies, and such, but then a staff member raised the question about the legality of converting commercial (movies, TV shows) VHS tapes to DVDs. Are there copyrighting issues involved? If it's not legal to convert them, what language can we use in our literature to make sure they are aware that it is not allowed, and any penalty that they may incur if they do? (We won't be watching them when they use the equipment.)

Thank you very much for your response!

Skating the Line between Helpful Information and Legal Advice

This answer was inspired by some recent questions…

In the quest to give excellent service and maximum access, librarians must apply intellectual property guidelines--a skill the average person has not honed. Library users, observing this skill (or having been alerted to a copyright concern by a librarian), may then ask for legal advice. 

Here’s an example: