TRAINING
Develop strategies to manage and responsibly use orphan works.
How do you handle works where the rights holder cannot be traced?
This CPD-accredited, half-day intermediate course tackles the challenges of working with orphan works — in-copyright materials where the rights holders are unknown or untraceable. From photographs and letters to films and sound recordings, orphan works are a major concern for heritage organisations, impacting digitisation, publication, and access.
Through practical discussions and strategy planning, you’ll explore the extent of the issue, why orphan works exist, and how to manage them responsibly. Participants will be encouraged to develop next-step strategies tailored to their organisations.
2026 Dates:
Further dates potentially available by request – contact us now!
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
This course is ideal for:
You’ll leave this course with a practical understanding of how to identify, manage, and develop strategies for working with orphan works. You’ll be equipped to make informed decisions that balance legal obligations with access ambitions in your organisation.
Intermediate courses are for participants with a solid understanding of the topic, offering a deeper dive into specific areas through practical exercises, examples, and case studies.
Advanced courses are designed for participants who want to build on their existing knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of how to implement and manage complex requirements effectively.
