Conference Details
What is the purpose of the conference?
The purpose of the conference is to explore concerns regarding access, preservation and protection of traditional cultural expression. Key issues and viewpoints of traditional cultures and libraries will be presented through case studies and discussion of various models for access and protection. Intellectual freedom concerns – freedom of speech, open inquiry, respect of diversity — will also be explored. The geographical focus will be primarily North America.
What are the objectives of the conference?
- To clarify and record the key issues for libraries that collect, provide access to, and preserve traditional cultural expression;
- To recognize that due to the unique nature of TCE and their link to cultural identity, typical models of protection and management of creative works may be ill suited;
- To stimulate the necessary awareness in the U.S. library community; and
- To help frame positions to represent the U.S. library community and the public interest in WIPO debates
What is the Office for Information Technology Policy and why is this group sponsoring this conference?
The Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) is a part of the American Library Association’s Washington Office. One tenet of OITP’s mission is to advocate for public policy that supports and encourages the efforts of libraries to ensure access to electronic information resources as a means of upholding the public’s right to a free and open information society.
OITP has received grant funding from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to focus on copyright education and advocacy. OITP has been working on various international copyright issues, most recently library advocacy at WIPO. A WIPO inter-governmental committee focusing on TCEs, traditional knowledge and genetic resources has been formed to consider how (or if) these works should be protected within a copyright regime or some other legal scheme.
OITP manages and funds the International Copyright Advocate initiative to ensure that the library voice is heard at these forums. OITP also has coordinated projects to develop policy statements that are endorsed by ALA Council and become part of ALA policy, such as the Principles for the Networked World.
What are the anticipated next steps?
The conference is a first step in bringing these issues to the broader ALA community. While many individual librarians, library groups, and associations have studied these concerns for some time, for the “big ALA,” the topic is relatively new. To encourage further discussion and to bring more ALA members to the table, we will post conference papers and plan additional programs for upcoming ALA conferences. A special issue of American Libraries will be devoted to the topic. One hope is that principles or values statements reflecting a shared understanding among librarians and members of indigenous communities can be written, followed by an extensive vetting process by all interested parties. If a shared understanding can be met and be reflected in a principles document, this document would be presented to the ALA Council for final endorsement. This principles statement itself will provide a framework for the library’s position at WIPO meetings focusing on TCEs.
How can I view the conference proceedings?
Some of the conference panels were recorded. Selected content is available on this Web site. See Proceedings.
