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Copyright for libraries and archives

The Australian Libraries Copyright Committee is the primary policy body for copyright issues affecting the library, archive and information sectors in Australia. We provide advocacy, government advice, training and resources.

Training

Find out about our face-to-face and online copyright training, free for most Australian librarians and archivists.
Resources

Free online resources about Australian copyright law for libraries and archives, from fact sheets to slides to publications.
Advocacy

Learn how we are fighting to make copyright work for libraries and archives.
News

Our latest news, including blog posts and media releases.
  • Quick Info
Featured
A blue copyright symbol is spray painted on a cream-coloured wall.

A short introduction to copyright

Our Short introduction to copyright provides a solid overview of the key elements of copyright law in Australia.
  • FAQs
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What is the process for document supply?

I know I can supply materials to clients, but what is the process I need to follow?
  • Quick Info
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Material not protected by copyright

You might think copyright protects everything but there are some things that aren't protected.
  • Other Resources

NSLA's guidance on reasonably diligent searches for orphan works

Guidance from National and State Libraries Australia on the identification and use of orphan works.
  • Other Resources
A photo of eight Creative Commons stickers arranged on a white background. Each sticker includes the Creative Commons 'two Cs in a circle' symbol with the words, 'Some rights reserved' and the CC website address.

Creative Commons Australia

The Australian chapter of Creative Commons.
  • Quick Info
A photo of a replica Guttenberg printing press setup to print a page from the bible.

The history of copyright

Understanding the history of copyright law can help you understand what copyright is. The modern copyright system is informed by copyright’s history.
  • Other Resources
The logo for Copyright The Card Game – Australian Edition. It features a Kangaroo icon and the words 'Australian Edition' below the Copyright The Card Game logo designed by UK Copyright Literacy who created the original game.

Copyright The Card Game – Australian Edition

Get a copy of the Australian Edition of Copyright The Card Game.
  • FAQs
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What do I have to do to get copyright protection?

Short answer: nothing!
  • Presentations

ALCC Library and Archive Copyright Training – Copyright Extended

Here you can find the slides from our Copyright Extended Training.

  • FAQs
10 white question marks stenciled onto a grey-green wall. The grey-green paint is peeling revealing maroon paint underneath.

What does the information in a copyright notice mean?

You see copyright notices on material all the time, but what do they mean?
Credits

Heading and body font: ‘Poppins’ 2014–2019, Indian Type Foundry. Font downloads available on Github, github.com/itfoundry/poppins. Web fonts available on Google Fonts, fonts.google.com/specimen/Poppins. Available for reuse under the terms of the SIL Open Font License, scripts.sil.org/OFL.

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Associations and institutions are welcome to apply to become members of the ALCC.

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