Between Authors and Users: Archivists in the Copyright Vise

Abstract

The historical, social, economic, and political context of American copyright law is considered as a backdrop for archivists' role as both mediators and advocates on copyright. Effective administration of archives and service to donors and users require an understanding of the basics, including scope of copyright coverage, nature of exclusive rights, fair use, library and archival provisions, transfers of ownership, and expiration of term of copyright, with especial attention to the distinction between published and unpublished material.