13 February 2023

CILIP Online Copyright Conference 16 May 2023

By Naomi Korn

Copyright is underpinned by important balances which attempt to address the complex and nuanced relationship between creators’ exclusive rights and specific copying activities which are deemed to be “fair” to rights holders and such, support certain public interest copying activities. Copyright law and practice is therefore essential knowledge for librarians, archivists and information professionals who are often at the coal face of brokering relationships between creators, rights holders and content consumers. It is particularly vital that librarians and information professionals understand how these issues correlate with new fast-moving developments in AI and digital interconnectivity. This includes hybrid working and learning post-Covid and the likely provision of access to content to users across different platforms of delivery. 

But despite a global user base, in 2023, the shadow of Brexit looms dark across copyright legislation in the UK, as the UK moves ever further away from EU law and opportunities provided by legislation originating from the EU, have either been lost or removed from the UK’s copyright framework. The culminative impact of these developments have accentuated the need to become “copyright aware” and as such, the development of confidence and skills in identifying and applying sometimes complex concepts into day-to-work. However, at the same time because any changes to the legislation which are beneficial to users, are often long in the making and slow to transpose into the UK’s legislative framework, copyright laws are frequently out of pace with the rapidly changing digital spaces in which librarians and information professionals operate. Subsequently, how copyright law operates in practice, the challenges these present to our sector and how we might navigate these challenges, is particularly important to discuss. 

The CILIP Copyright Conference, chaired by Naomi Korn, provides a unique and important platform for librarians and information professionals to collectively discuss these issues, through presentations from some of most authoritative copyright specialists and leaders in the sector. It also provides an opportunity to hear from new voices, offering different perspectives and opinions. Last year, the CILIP Copyright Conference recognised Professor Charles Oppenheim for his outstanding contribution to copyright. For the second year, the CILIP Copyright Conference will announce the Copyright Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Naomi Korn Associates. This is one of the sector’s most important copyright honours, and this year will be awarded to an individual who has excelled in supporting librarians and information professionals in the UK and internationally .

Attendance at the CILIP Copyright Conference is an ideal and unique opportunity for all librarians, archivists and information professionals to update their knowledge and professional practice in this crucial area. Additionally, it will appeal to those who want to update their general copyright, licensing and publishing knowledge. 

The range of topics include:

  • Creator’s rights 
  • Government Copyright Policy following Brexit
  • Orphan works and the potential of international solutions to the UK
  • Text and Data Mining Update
  • Copyright Licensing Agency update
  • The use of the Copyright Exceptions internationally

The confirmed speakers include:

  • Opening Keynote: Dr Smita Kheria, Senior Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law, Edinburgh Law School
  • Margaret Haig, Head of Copyright Operations, Intellectual Property Office
  • Ben White, Researcher, Centre of Intellectual Property Policy & Management, Bournemouth University
  • Matt Lambert, Head of Copyright, Policy & Assurance
  • Naomi Korn, PhD Researcher, University of Edinburgh and CEO, Naomi Korn Associates
  • Debbie McDonnell, IP Manager, British Council
  • James Bennett, Head of Rights and Licensing, Copyright Licensing Agency

Call for lightning speakers

This year, we are once again putting a call out for speakers to join us in delivering lightening talks around the theme of copyright and/or licence management. In particular, we would like to hear from people who are new to conference speaking but who want to share new initiatives and/or best practice in copyright management and/or copyright licensing. 

Lightning talks are a great way to introduce yourself at a conference and get delegates talking about a particular topic. They are also a great chance to experience being a speaker at a conference for the first time. You will have 5 minutes for your talk (with or without slides) and there will be opportunities for delegates to ask questions.

To apply to speak at the Copyright Conference, send an email titled “Lightning Talks application” to info@naomikorn.com and give a brief introduction of yourself, along with a summary of what you would like to speak about and why. Your application can be in writing, or as a video. Remember to give your name, job title, organisation, and contact details. Send your entries by 1 March 2023. Successful applicants will receive a complimentary delegate place for the day.

We particularly welcome applications from professionals who are underrepresented in the library, knowledge and information sector, including people from ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+ and working-class backgrounds; people with experience of disability and those who are neurodiverse; as well as people working at any level who have never spoken at a conference or event such as this before.

Book your ticket to the CILIP Online Copyright Conference 2023

Click here to find out more about the CILIP Copyright Conference 2023 and to book your ticket.

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