Copyright Catechism

Carol Simpson, JD, EdD, is associate professor in the College of Information, Library Science and Technologies of the University of North Texas, and practices school law.

"This title contains a wealth of copyright information that comes from the author’s column 'Copyright Question of the Month' in LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION. It is a companion book to her Copyright for Schools, 4th edition (Linworth Publishing, Inc., 2005). However, there is so much information that it stands on its own. Carol Simpson does make reference to the other book fairly often so it would be best to have both. Written in the column’s Q&A style, Simpson has updated all questions so that they reflect current copyright laws and guidelines. Chapters cover copyright ownership; print materials; graphic materials; sound recordings and music; video and film; multimedia; software; and distance learning. The final chapters deal with managing copyright and permission issues. Simpson is very knowledgeable in the area of copyright, offering all education professionals important food for thought. Although there are many gray areas, she explains her answers in such a way that readers will know what is okay, what is 'iffy,' and what is not okay. Although this volume does not include an index, the well-done table of contents leads to most of the information easily. If you are looking for some straightforward and easy-to-understand information on this important issue, and especially if you enjoy Simpson’s monthly column, get this book (and the new edition of Copyright for Schools). Recommended." - Library Media Connection