ACP recognizes that Controlled Digital Lending (CDL) is a developing practice among libraries. Discussion of CDL has grown in recent years, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic when access to print collections was temporarily restricted due to public health restrictions. ACP has observed that CDL is part of a broader trend within Canada and internationally among user groups who rely on copyright exceptions and limitations to justify the copying and distribution of published works, rather than dealing directly with copyright holders.
Copyright is essential to the work that we do and is a key pillar of the creative economy. Copyright supports the continued creation and publication of written works in all genres and for a variety of markets.
ACP stresses that copying and making available are exclusive rights of copyright holders. Users, including libraries, must seek permission from rightsholders for any acts of digitization and making available of published works. Without that permission, scanning and distribution of those digital copies is an act of copyright infringement.
To read ACP’s full statement, please use the button below.
For more information, contact:
Kate Edwards, Executive Director
kate_edwards@canbook.org