The complex relationship between the university library and the Federal Copyright Law: implications and responsibilities towards the reproduction and photocopying of materials

Abstract

University libraries offer the service of photocopying in response to the demands from their users. The reproduction service of information materials supplement meager library budgets, while allowing students to inexpensively have access to books that would otherwise be beyond their reach. This practice, of mutual convenience, can become a legal liability for libraries, since the reproduced materials may be protected by the Federal Copyright Law.
The article exposes the reality of Copyright Law in Mexico, noting gaps and inaccuracies that maintain a situation that, despite being a common practice, is not correct under the law. Some thoughts and recommendations are made on the best way to make legal an inconvenient situation for users, libraries and universities, in addition to the holders of proprietary rights.
The results of a study on regulations concerning the service of photocopying in a sample of Mexican institutions of higher education are presented.