Copyright Toolkit Aims and Objectives
This toolkit has been developed as a practical working tool with you, its user, very much at the forefront of that development. It addresses the principles of copyright for those with little or no experience in copyright and provides advice and support for all towards developing good practice in clearing and negotiating licences for use of all types of third-party content in all media.
Many who are involved with a variety of ‘third-party ‘ content get caught up in and overanxious about the ‘legalities’ of copyright, especially in relation to multimedia (DVDs, CD-ROMs, Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), etc) in ways which may leave them feeling unsure and uneasy about that part of their job associated with copyright and copyright clearances.
It is the objective of the toolkit authors that you do not get too caught up in the law of copyright itself, and begin to recognise that by embracing some knowledge, copyright becomes an easily workable part of your job which is upheld and respected through sound working practices and judgement.
This toolkit will provide you with guidelines on the legal side of copyright that embrace knowledge and good practice involving all types of content. It will recommend ways in which you can implement a ‘risk management’ approach to your work so that you can avoid resorting either to a haphazard ‘fingers-crossed’ approach to copyright clearances or the other extreme of a ‘copyright police’ stance. Each approach can have a delaying and detrimental affect on production which in turn may project a view of copyright and of yourself as barriers to creativity. The toolkit highlights continuing respect for copyright and, through good practice guidelines, promotes your role as an integral team member and enabler to creativity.
This is a practical working tool to which you may turn for advice and support when struggling with your daily deadlines and the stresses of multimedia production. The information and guidance provided will also go some way to help you in the decision-making process involving rights clearances and associated copyright issues. It is intended that the toolkit will help you to feel more confident in making decisions and avoid stalemate situations in your work involving copyright and third-party content.
Now please begin with the introduction to copyright through the greetings card exercise.