Electrocopying, the Publishers Association and academic libraries

Abstract

Discusses the concept of electrocopy ing, defined by the Publishers Association to cover the copying of printed materials, by scanning or other means, into electronic databases, in which the text is stored in either image or character encoded form. Briefly mentions technical aspects of electro copying, including the two document scanning technologies: document image processing (DIP); and optical character recognition (OCR); but main ly concentrates on the legal and eco nomic aspects. Considers the copyright implications of electrocopying, in par ticular, the fears of widespread copy right infringement expressed by publishers. Considers the role of the Commission of the European Communities and the views and ini tiatives of a selection of major pub lishers. Concludes that the approach of publishers is that they do not want solutions foisted upon them by statute or the practice of electrocopying becoming widespread, yet seem to be taking a long time to do anything pos itive. Reviews the situation in the UK and the role played by academic libraries in electrocopying and net working information. Reports results of a questionnaire survey of UK acad emic libraries to determine the use of information technology in general, and electrocopying in particular. Concludes with a discussion of the possible future implications of electrocopying for the pattern of scholarly communication and the survival of the periodical.