Carrie on Copyright

Carrie Russell, the American Library Association's copyright specialist, will answer selected questions from readers. Send questions to prx-slj@reedbusiness.com, with 'copyright' in the subject line. Note: Carrie's comments are not to be considered legal advice.

Q: Our school library has a 28-station technology lab and, in an adjoining room, a computer lab with 24 computers that are used for technology instruction. Are we required to place a notice of copyright law on each monitor or CPU? Or is one notice, placed visibly in the technology center, sufficient? I do understand that notice of copyright law must be placed on photocopying equipment and at the circulation desk, where copying requests are received. Thanks for your advice.

Jennifer Pratt, Library Media Specialist, Frolio Junior High School, Abington, MA

A: According to Section 108(f)(1) of the copyright law, all equipment capable of making reproductions should be labeled with the notice of copyright. So put a sticker on every one of those computers! (And on all your audiocassette players, too!) The law does not provide specific language for the notice, but here's a statement you can use: 'Notice. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies and other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.'