More archival issues

[Dorothy A Hadfield]

This item is excerpted from a UWO English department newsletter. While
we're on the topic of access to archival material, it seems that this
amendment could also have some highly detrimental effects on research --
especially if you have to pay $10 every time you need to consult a
performance file.


As you may already be aware, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
is at present considering a copyright amending measure known as Bill C-32
as part of the second phase of Parliament's overhaul of Canadian copyright
legislation.  Among several provisions of Bill C-32 that are causing
controversy, there are two that are cause of particular concern for
scholars and students in the humanities and social sciences: (1) a
provision that prohibits the photocopying of unpublished archival
materials for research and private study; and (2) a provision that
prolongs the period of copyright protection for unpublished works in
archives.  The purpose of this memo is to urge you to write, fax, e-mail,
or telephone either your M.P. or the Chair of the Standing Committee to
express your objections to these provisions or, more positively, to urge
the legalization of single copies of archival materials for research/study
purposes and the reduction of the period of restriction on archival
materials.

M.P.'s Name                             The Hon. Clifford Lincoln
House of Commons                        House of Commons
Ottawa, ON,   K1A 0A6                   Ottawa, ON,   K1A 0A6

Fax: (613) 992-7974                     Same fax and telephone
Tel: (613) 966-0506                     Lincoc at parl.gc.ca

Alternatively, you can contact the Clerk of the Standing Committee, Ms.
Monique Hamilton, at the same numbers and addresses.  If you do this,
please stipulate that you wish your views to be conveyed to the Chair and
all members of the Committee.