TIL that a library copier can be a copyright trap for freelancers

I popped into the downtown public library last week to scan a reference book for a logo project and noticed a sign next to the copier warning about copyright limits up to 10 pages. It made me rethink how I use library resources for research, has anyone else run into weird copyright rules at public places?

3 comments

3 Comments

hernandez.gavin2d ago

Totally feel you on this one. I had a similar moment at my local library when I tried to scan a chapter from a design textbook for reference. The machine literally stopped me at 10 pages and flashed a copyright warning on the screen. It's kind of wild how even public resources have these hidden rules that can trip you up. Really makes you second guess grabbing anything for client work unless you're super careful.

brooke_murray2d ago

Respectfully disagree. Copyright rules exist for a reason and 10 pages from a textbook is honestly generous, you can buy the book or use fair use guidelines like everyone else.

the_faith2d ago

Yeah the library scanners are strict about that too.