Circulating audiobook & print book together

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  • Hello!

    We have a circulating collection of picture books and their audiobooks bundled together as a kit. Currently all of the kits have the audiobook in its original packaging (i.e. jewel case). We would like to reduce the space the collection takes on our shelves and improve the overall browsing experience for patrons by housing the audiobook CD in an envelope inside the book. If we were to do this does that break copyright? I know of libraries in our area who are currently doing this, but a few on staff at my librari says that going this route would be a copyright violation. Any information or experience that can be share would be greatly appreciated! 

    Thanks,

    Kelly

  • Hi Kelly:

    This is not an infringement of copyright law because you are not infringing any copyrights. Are you making a reproduction? are you using it to make an unauthorized derivative work?

    No and no.

    The copyright law does have an exception allowing a buyer, once they lawfully acquire a title, to decide what she wants to do with that copy.  (section 109 )You can put a book in a locked cage. You can lend the title. You can destroy the work, or put it in a bathtub full of water. It is your property - a physical thing. As long as you are not exercising one of the exclusive rights (section 106), you are good to go.

    Hope this helps and discovery improves.

    Good luck!

    Carrie

  • Thank you so much! This greatly helps! laughing

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