This is important information, provided by the American Library Association to help protect you against copyright infringers! Many CMLE members will need to do this, by Dec 31! Check in with us at CMLE if you have questions.
“TheDigital Millennial Copyright Act instituted the “notice and takedown” rule to protect online service providers — in our case, libraries, universities and schools — who provide public access computers from infringement by third parties if online service providers supply the name and contact information of a designated agent to receive claims of copyright infringement. For more details on this law and regulation see: copyright.gov/dmca-directory
The U.S. Copyright Office asks that online service providers register or re-register an agent to create an up-to-date online directory of agents that rights holders can contact. Libraries and educational institutions who provide open access computers and/or wifi should designate a person who will receive these notices. This person may be the head of the school district, director of the library, personnel from the IT department, legal counsel or other designated staff.
The registration process is straightforward and must be done to benefit from the safe harbor established in Section 512 of the copyright law.
Complete a registration form at dmca.copyright.gov/osp/login.html and provide contact information. Maintain the currency and accuracy of the information, updating it as necessary. Pay a $6 dollar fee.
Registrations must be submitted by December 31, 2017. A new registration process will open every three years.
More Resources
- Detailed regulation information can be found here: copyright.gov/title37/201/37cfr201-38.html
- A two-pager that describes the reason why libraries should identify an agent is available here: ala.org/tools/atoz/dcma_and_libraries