Copyright for Archivists and Records Managers, first published in 2001, is now available in its fourth edition. As with earlier editions, the book offers archivists and records managers' specialised information on copyright law and provides advice on issues likely to arise when making older and unpublished materials available.
The author argues that this new edition is a necessary update to the previous third edition, claiming that “much has changed to justify a fourth”. This is in part due to some recent developments in case law offering the reader more clarity on the interpretation of certain legal terms and concepts. Other significant changes include a new section on “key points” of copyright law generally, a more user‐friendly searchable index and a separate section on copyright duration for a variety of different countries. The new edition also provides some additional information on ownership, where works are created by employees, devolved administrations of the UK or the Crown, as well as updated text on the definition of “substantial” and the educational statutory exceptions.
This is not a book for the “copyright beginner”. Although there are some sections included that would be of general interest to most practitioners (moral rights, rights clearance and database rights), the book's focus is on situations and issues particularly relevant to archivists and records managers, with some areas also likely to be of interest to librarians. Copyright considerations relating to unpublished works, maps, legal records and records of local authorities and churches are explained, with helpful guidance provided on the Copyright (Librarians and Archivists) (Copying of Copyright Material) Regulations 1989. The book is not suitable, nor is it intended, to be read from beginning to end. Rather, the index or contents page should probably be used to locate specific topics of interest which the reader can then research in further detail within the relevant chapter.
As with previous editions, the structure of the book is clear with 11 chapter titles and logical subheadings. Each chapter begins with fundamental and appropriate points of copyright law, followed by a more detailed look at the different uses of particular materials within defined parameters. The availability of works in libraries and archives is applied in different contexts, including the digital environment, where electronic copies are increasingly in demand. The book concludes with straightforward and practical appendices that simplify the more complex issues of duration of copyright in the UK as well as other countries, and the model licences presented remind archivists of relevant considerations where works are deposited and licensed for re‐use.
The “worked examples” appendix, as published in the third edition, has been removed. This is unfortunate as, although examples are referred to within the text of the new edition, this previous resource did provide a range of circumstances and answers to questions relating to rights and duration of copyright. Readers may resort to an earlier edition for that.
A detailed bibliography provides ample sustenance for further research but there is no explanation as to why a particular book would be useful or relevant. References are included at the end of each paragraph. However, these are presented in a list format without specific footnotes. This can make it difficult to identify exactly which reference relates to a specific point being made.
Padfield offers readers a comprehensive and expert view of copyright, particularly in relation to older and unpublished materials. The information contained in the book goes well beyond the basics of copyright law and offers the reader an in‐depth analysis of current case law and legislation. The author is careful when making conclusions but he does offer an opinion when on more safe ground. He is also able to clearly articulate the likely risks involved in making available particular deposited works.
This book is recommended for those who have some initial understanding of copyright and who are likely to work and practise within this specialised area. The changes to previous additions are, on the whole, welcome. Certainly, where an updated knowledge of case law and an understanding of duration of copyright in other countries is a must, then this new fourth edition is for you.
