Jessica Rosner
kino
> From: Mary Gontarek --- Owatonna Public Library <MARYG@selco.lib.mn.us>
> Reply-To: videolib@library.berkeley.edu
> Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2000 15:00:37 -0800 (PST)
> To: Multiple recipients of list <videolib@library.berkeley.edu>
> Subject: Video copyright law for libraries
>
> I just had an interesting conversation with a representative from a company
> thatsells motivational videos. They're VERY expensive but we have decided to
> previewfor possible purchase for staff training. During our conversation, the
> rep was
> trying to determine who would be using the videos and he very pointedly stated
> that their copyright only allowed viewing by organizations or groups, not
> individuals. I was not aware that those conditions could be stipulated for
> public
> libraries. Am I wrong about this? Even though we probably would not check them
> out to the general public due to the high cost of the items, it goes against
> the
>
> grain for a company to try and tell us who can use the items we purchase. I
> understand about public performance rights, but we still put those videos on
> the shelf for the public to check out. The information is clearly labeled on
> thevideo and it is then up to the individual to decide whether to abide by the
> copyright statement. I have no intention of pursuing this in the courts but
> I sure wish someone would! Is this legal?
> Mary Gontarek
> Owatonna Public Library
> Owatonna, MN
> MaryG@selco.lib.mn.us
>