New U.S. Copyright Slider

American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy has put together a funky Digital Copyright Slider that helps you determine what kind of copyright is held on works within certain time periods, and whether permission is needed to copy those works or if they are in the public domain. It was designed by Michael Brewer who also developed their hard copy version.

The tool is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike License and can be copied and distributed according to the conditions set out under that license. It can also be adapted with an institution’s own branding and contact information by contacting Carrie Russell at the OITP Washington Office crussel@alawash.org or Michael Brewer brewerm@u.library.arizona.edu.

The dislaimer notes, of course, that this slider does not take the place of consultation with a copyright specialist or legal advisor.

It would be great to see someone develop something similar for Canada.