Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 11:54:03 -0600 (CST) From: Chris Teichreb <teichrch@MEENA.CC.UREGINA.CA> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg987$foo@default> Subject: Re: Videogate
Hi Nigel,
>
> I have a problem with a book I would love to buy because I need a copy
> long-term for reference (botany, but not CPs). It is out of print and
> unlikely to ever be reprinted (work is currently taking place on its
> successor, which is expected to be a couple of years away at best). None
> of the major second-hand book dealers have a copy for sale. I have a copy
> via inter-library loan, but I can only keep it for a month at most before it
> has to go back. What alternatives do I have other than photocopying it?
I may be wrong on this, but I think copyright protection may
expire after a certain number of years, similar to patents. One
alternative, which is somewhat time-consuming, is to write to the
publishers and explain the situation and ask if you may photocopy the
entire book.
Also, you are allowed to photocopy up to, I beleive, about
15% of the contents. Maybe that's all you need?
>
> Two commonly sought books which for various reasons cannot be reprinted
> are Adrian Slack's 'Insect Eating Plants And How To Grow Them', and Paul
> Magriel's 'Backgammon' - I mention the latter because bootleg photocopies
> reportedly sell for up to ?50.
>
> If a law is universally flouted, isn't that a symptom of a bad law rather than
> the end of civilisation?
Personally, I don't have a problem with photocopying books
which are out-of-print and no copies can be found at used book
stores. I mean, when you consistently sign out a book from the
library (which I do with Slack's), you might as well since you
practically own the book ;-)!
However, I do not approve of photocopying books for profit
or because you're too cheap to buy an available copy (although the
prices some people ask for out of print books is outrageous).
I think the copyright law does work well, but should have some
'footnotes' to it, such as being able to photocopy a book
which is out-of-print and out-of-date for your own personal
use.
Libraries occasionally have used book sales. Maybe
that's another place to look.
>
> Apologies for so much off-topic c**p, NigelH
>
>
No more than other topics!
Regards,
Chris Teichreb
Department of Biology
University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan, CANADA
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