Non-Profit Org Claims Rights In Library Catalog Data

lamona writes "The main source of the bibliographic records that are carried in library databases is a non-profit organization called OCLC. Over the weekend OCLC 'leaked' its new policy that claims contractual rights in the subsequent uses of the data, uses such as downloading book information into Zotero or other bibliographic software. The policy explicitly forbids any use that would compete with OCLC. This would essentially rule out the creation of free and open databases of library content, such as the Open Library and LibraryThing. The library blogosphere is up in arms . But can our right to say: "Twain, Mark. The adventures of Tom Sawyer" be saved?"

Comments

The library blogosphere is up in arms!

[genner]

God help us all.

Re:The library blogosphere is up in arms!

[An ominous Cow art]

God is dead.

-Niet~*&%a~~NO CARRIER

Re:The library blogosphere is up in arms!

[Anonymous Coward]

Librarians are a dangerous bunch. If you try to mess with information, they will mess with you. You think geeks overuse the mantra "information wants to be free"? Librarians live it. Oh sure they seem mild-mannered, but just try and put limits on the information they possess and see what happens. Or better yet don't, because if you're lucky what will happen is you'll be dead. If you're not lucky, you'll live through it.

Re:The library blogosphere is up in arms!

[genner]

At best we have a long meeting about it.

Lets pray it never comes to that.

Re:DDS

[Anonymous Coward]

I used to steal cards out of the card file when I was young... can I claim prior art?

ObFuturama

[Amazing Quantum Man]

"Dewey, You Fool! Your Decimal System Has Played Right Into My Hands! Ha Ha Ha Ha!"

Although I guess OCLC is saying that instead of the giant brains.

Don't Steal My Information!

[serutan]

Serutan's Fun Factz #22583: Columbus is the capital of Ohio.
Serutan's Fun Factz #57661: The chemical formula for water is H20.
- - - - - - -
Policy for Use and Transfer of Serutan's Fun-Factz Records:

YOU ARE FREE:

      1. To use, reproduce, incorporate into works and display Serutan's Fun Factz records.
      2. To transfer Serutan's Fun Factz records of your libraryâ(TM)s, archiveâ(TM)s or museumâ(TM)s own holdings.

UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

      1. Noncommercial Use. Use of Serutan's Fun Factz records for commercial purposes requires a separate agreement with OCLC.
      2. Noncommercial Transfer. Serutan's Fun Factz records may not be sold, sublicensed, or otherwise transferred for a fee, other economic gain or commercial purposes.
      3. Attribution. Serutan encourages you to identify Serutan's Fun Factz as the source of Serutan's Fun Factz-derived records.
      4. Reasonable Use. Use must not discourage the contribution of bibliographic and holdings data to Serutan's Fun Factz or substantially replicate the function, purpose, and/or size of Serutan's Fun Factz.
      5. Modification. Serutan encourages you not to remove the Serutan's Fun Factz number, the link to the policy, and any other means of attribution from Serutan's Fun Factz-derived records.
      6. Conveyance. The policy terms and conditions remain in effect following the transfer of Serutan's Fun Factz records.

Have a Fun-Factz-Filled day!

Re:First of all...

[philspear]

Circuit city seems to be doing its best.

Re:ObAl

[halcyon1234]

Timid Man: Can you tell me where I can find a book on astronomy?

[Conan the Librarian lifts the man up with his bare hands]

Conan the Librarian: Don't you know the Dewey Decimal System?

Hey!

[Greyfox]

They'll blog furiously about it! There might even be a flame war! Someone could... get their feelings hurt. Or something.

Re:DDS

[ScrewMaster]

You should really consider apologizing.

That would be a sign of weakness, and upon the first such exhibition the ravenous Slashdot hordes will descend upon him, leaving only his empty carcass behind.