The Complete Copyright Liability Handbook for Librarians and Educators is the first title in the new series The Legal Advisor for Librarians, Educators, & Information Professionals also edited by Lipinski. Dr Lipinski is exceptionally qualified as a legal advisor to librarians as he holds both a J.D. and a PhD in library science, has worked in multiple legal settings, and has taught at schools of law and of library science. His expertise and familiarity with both fields of study combine to create a work that covers the entire scope of US copyright law and utilizes examples relevant to library and education settings without being condescending.
The book is divided into five parts. Part one lays the foundation for the entire book by discussing the three types of copyright liability. Part two focuses on copyright penalties and immunities giving specific attention to the concept of a Section 512 Safe Harbor. Part three deals with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and once again deals at length with the Section 512 Safe Harbor. Part four suggests methods educational institutions and libraries may use to limit copyright exposure. Throughout each of these four sections, Lipinski's background and experience in law and librarianship is evident. Each chapter contains thorough endnotes which document the legal precedence and give further background information on the cases and law. Several real‐world examples follow each chapter showing how the content is applicable to specific library and education scenarios. Anyone who works in libraries or education will immediately resonate with these. In addition, throughout the book, Lipinski has sprinkled wry comments and humour which serves to lighten an otherwise heavy topic.
The final section contains compliance tools for schools and libraries. This section alone is worth the price of the book. The first tool is a copyright compliance audit which delineates 13 key copyright areas for educational institutions and libraries and then provides questions to consider, a brief analysis of the copyright issue, and the text of a required or suggested copyright notice pertinent to the area. The second tool is an implementation checklist for Section 512 registered agents in order to secure a Safe Harbor. The final tool contains 16 sample copyright policies to assist with the drafting of institutional copyright policies. Permission is expressly given to photocopy the compliance audit and the sample policies for institutional use.
Although the market contains many books concerning copyright for librarians and educators, Lipinski's contribution is unique due to his familiarity with and expertise in the fields of law and library science. Although not an easy read or a how‐to manual that gives three easy steps to copyright compliance, The Complete Copyright Liability Handbook for Librarians and Educators provides a superb theoretical grounding in the issues which results in the reader becoming knowledgeable on the many facets of copyright liability. Due to these features, this work is highly recommended for American libraries of all types. Individual librarians, regardless of position, should consider this volume required reading in order to stay abreast of this important issue even if they feel it is not pertinent to their specific duties. Library directors are encouraged to provide or make available copies for higher education administrators and colleagues in technology departments. Public library board members will find familiarity with the book important as well. Dr Lipinski has added an extremely important and valuable book to this area of study.
