Message-Id: <mailto:199509061846.NAA12385@library.wustl.edu> Date: Wed, 6 Sep 1995 13:45:53 CST From: "Bruemmer, Bruce" <mailto:BRUCE@FS1.ITDEAN.UMN.EDU> Subject: Re: storing large amount of data To: Multiple recipients of list IMAGELIB
I think the legality of scanning in works of others, even if they are schematics or technical materials, is clear. If someone holds copyright (and you do not have to register copyright to own the copyright of a work), then you may not reproduce it unless you have permission or unless it falls within the concept of fair use. Defining the latter concept is a bit problematic, although the courts seem to be narrowing the definition rather than enlarging it.One question is whether there is a financial interest left in the schmatics or manuals, or if anyone would be bothered by it. My institution has one of the largest collection of obsolete computer manuals. When some IBMers visited, they were VERY disturbed when I trotted out some field manuals for a 1960s vintage IBM mainframe. We were not copying anything -- we just had a copy of the manuals. So don't discount potential interest even if your documents are over 40 years old.
There is a a project at the University of Michigan that involves digitizing material relating to software patents. I am not aware of any special precautions taken re: copyright of the material. Bruce H. Bruemmer Archivist Charles Babbage Institute 103 Walter Library University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455
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