[ARSCLIST] Access to unique materials (was: The Incompetence at ENHS)

[Matt Sohn <mahatma57@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> On Fri, 27 Oct 2006, James L Wolf wrote:
>
> > As the "house of copyright" the LOC is, and must be, bound by the letter 
> > of the
> > copyright law. So please do not blame the Library for its inability to 
> > make
> > available most early recordings. Thanks.
>
> To what extent has the library pushed for changes in the copyright as it
> applies to access to unique materials? Or does the library see its posture
> as reactive versus being proactive.

Excerpted from the American Folklife Center website:

"It is central to the mission of the Library of Congress "to preserve, 
secure, and sustain for the present and future use of the Congress and the 
nation a comprehensive record of American history and creativity." "

The phrase "for the present and future use of Congress and the nation.." 
would seem to indicate that access for the public is a goal to be pursued by 
the institution.

-Matt Sohn