Spring Break
Alternative-formatted textbooks difficult to obtain
Derek Simons
Issue date: 1/8/07 Section: News
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The Association of American Publishers (AAP) takes the position that, under current copyright laws, it is illegal to create electronic copies of the books. The publisher's permission must be requested for each and every copy, accompanied by the purchase receipt of the textbook and proof of disability.
This puts universities in a difficult position. Some states have passed laws to resolve the conflict, but not Missouri. The Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) is working with the AAP to create a national agreement. AHEAD considers alternative formatted textbooks to be "fair use" and thinks it should be covered by the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998.
"The AAP is not trying to crack down specifically on people with disabilities, but we must protect authors' rights," said Edward McCoyd, the AAP director of Digital Policy. "Hopefully, within the year, a standard will be established that is less frustrating for everyone. For now, we agree to disagree."
In the meantime, Laurent has adopted AHEAD's position and considers the University's first obligation to be to the students by observing the ADA. Textbooks are scanned by Accessible Images, a division of the Kansas City Rehabilitation Institute, and the TIFF images are encoded using Abbyy Finereader by newly-hired OSSD staff.
Warwick's frustration, however, continues.
"In class I am aided by a note taker," he said. "Once, when the note taker was not present for a lecture, I requested a copy of the PowerPoint from the professor. He refused, fearing copyright infringement. I would like to see the chancellor take a clear stand on these issues."
dsimons@unews.com
This puts universities in a difficult position. Some states have passed laws to resolve the conflict, but not Missouri. The Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) is working with the AAP to create a national agreement. AHEAD considers alternative formatted textbooks to be "fair use" and thinks it should be covered by the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998.
"The AAP is not trying to crack down specifically on people with disabilities, but we must protect authors' rights," said Edward McCoyd, the AAP director of Digital Policy. "Hopefully, within the year, a standard will be established that is less frustrating for everyone. For now, we agree to disagree."
In the meantime, Laurent has adopted AHEAD's position and considers the University's first obligation to be to the students by observing the ADA. Textbooks are scanned by Accessible Images, a division of the Kansas City Rehabilitation Institute, and the TIFF images are encoded using Abbyy Finereader by newly-hired OSSD staff.
Warwick's frustration, however, continues.
"In class I am aided by a note taker," he said. "Once, when the note taker was not present for a lecture, I requested a copy of the PowerPoint from the professor. He refused, fearing copyright infringement. I would like to see the chancellor take a clear stand on these issues."
dsimons@unews.com
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