Copyright is a complicated and nuanced issue that is important to the work of a librarian. Not only are we references for others but we also, through the library, provide material for others to borrow and must understand how materials may appropriately be used and shared.

While I was familiar with the idea that access is very important role within a library and that access means offering a variety of formats available for use; I didn’t realize that libraries are able to change the format of materials in order to ensure access and availability of use. This is a great benefit, as it allows librarians to increase access to include those materials that aren’t mass produced in alternative formats.

In libraries, electronic formatted materials are increasing in collection and use. While libraries have restrictions in order to decrease the risk of inappropriate copies of materials, my question is at what point do libraries share in responsibility for materials that are copied inappropriately? Are there clear requirements for what libraries must have in place in order to protect electronic materials; an official reference for guidelines on what should be put in place; or are libraries choosing how to protect these materials based on their own knowledge and research?