Presentation given at CopyCamp 2016, on the work of IFLA in promoting balanced copyright systems at WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organisation), as a means for libraries to continue providing equitable access to knowledge.

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BETWEEN PIRACY AND
THE
PRIVATISATION OF
KNOWLEDGE
LIBRARIES IN THE
INTERNATIONAL
COPYRIGHT DEBATE
Stephen Wyber
Policy and Research Officer, IFLA
Stephen.Wyber@ifla.org

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INTRODUCTION
Sources: Sweetsugarbelle, wikia.com, clipartpanda.com

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LIBRARIES AS BALANCERS
(1/3)
THE SOCIALISATION OF ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE?
• Acquiring content through traditional means…
• … but then making this available to all…
• … within the boundaries set by copyright
exceptions and limitations

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THE PITFALLS LIBRARIES HELP AVOID
• Monopolistic behaviour by
rightholders
• Market failures -
externalities/public goods
• Neglect of human rights goals
LIBRARIES AS BALANCERS
(2/3)
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikipedia, UN

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WHO STANDS TO BENEFIT?
• Children/Families
• Teachers and Educators
• Vulnerable Groups
• Governments
• Developing Countries
• Creators and Publishers
• Overall Social and Economic Welfare
LIBRARIES AS BALANCERS
(3/3)

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TRENDING (BUT NOT NECESSARILY IN A GOOD WAY):
• #GreatExpectations (access, within and across
borders)
• #PoorLaw (unclear, unreformed, or unhinged)
• #MarketPower (when not even libraries can keep up)
• #DigiFail (when digital access comes with a catch)
THE CHALLENGES FACED (1/2)

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WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE LIBRARIES (AND THEIR BALANCING ROLE
• Libraries face new obligations,
uncertainties and costs…
• … and so cannot deliver what
their users expect…
• … which pushes people towards
piracy
THE CHALLENGES FACED (2/2)

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A MULTI-LEVEL GAME
• National Reforms
• Poland, Armenia,
Moldova
• Regional Reforms
• European Union
• (Mega) Trade Deals
WHERE ARE LIBRARIES ENGAGED?
(1/3)

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A MULTILATERAL DEAL: THE FIRST BEST SOLUT
• A Solution at WIPO Could:
• Drive National Reform
• Facilitate Cross-Border Uses
• Limit Complexity…
• Except at WIPO Itself:
• Five Principles?
• Eleven Topics?
• Don’t ask about Legal Form
WHERE ARE LIBRARIES ENGAGED?
(2/3)

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WHAT WAY FORWARDS?
• Maintain Momentum
• Mobilise National Efforts
• Develop Counter-Arguments
• Work on Hold-Outs (the EU)
• Help gratefully received!
WHERE ARE LIBRARIES ENGAGED?
(3/3)