Re: software and copyright law

[Dan Robinson /Indexing Services <DROBINSON@INFO.HWWILSON.COM>]

Remember, the statement is "As a rule.......".  If you follow this
you can't go wrong. If there are exceptions, they will be documented.
Look on the box, on the wrapper for the cdrom/software, or other
documents provided with the cdrom. The language will be very clear on
the numbers of machines that the software/cdrom can be loaded and run
on. I have had experience with both reference and personal use cdroms
and the allowed number of loads and types were always stated very
clearly.

For example, the information that comes with Library of Congress's
CD-MARC products clearly states that the software may be loaded on
multiple machines or networked without additional charge. We use
other cdroms where the documentation clearly states that one copy of
the software may be installed and run on one computer. Obviously, we
don't apply LC's statement to the other program.

As to the contention that the software is on the cdrom, this is
variable. There are cdroms that contain no programming and some that
will run as self-contained units. But the terms of the license still
govern their use.

Speaking for myself;

Dan Robinson
Editorial Specs Specialist
H.W. Wilson Company
Bronx, NY
drobinson@info.hwwilson.com

> >As a rule, you may only load the software on one computer unless you
> >purchased a site license or a lab pack.  "Software may be copied onto the
> >hard drive of one computer but it is against the law to maintain
> >simultaneous copies in different hard drives." (Copyright for School...)
> >
> >If you would like more information, email me directly.
>
> I disagree.  Since the actual software of the CD-ROM is ON the CD-Rom, it
> should not be a copyright violation to vary which computer you use it on.
> A CD can only be used on one machine at a time.....which is a LOT different
> than loading a program like Print Shop on multiple computers which can then
> be used at the same time.   Granted, the startup stuff may be on mult. hard
> drives, but it cannot be used without the CD.  I'd like to hear from
> someone in the industry about this.
>
> Technology will never replace librarians, but librarians who KNOW
> technology will!
>
> Mrs. Jeanette B. Heath
>