Committee to Review University Copyright Policy: Charge

June 23, 2000


To:	Copyright Policy Committee Members

From:	Joseph J. Seneca
	University Vice President for Academic Affairs

Re:	Copyright Policy Committee

In light of new legislation affecting copyright law and the ever-increasing advances in digital technology, and to ensure our ability to meet our goals of reaching, research, and public service, it is appropriate to review the University's current Copyright Policy, which was adopted more than fifteen years ago (copy enclosed). I am writing to invite you to participate on the Committee to Review University Copyright Policy, which will oversee the process leading to a new, comprehensive copyright policy for the University. Marianne Gaunt, University Librarian, and Professor Robert Wood, FAS-Camden, have agreed to co-chair this committee.

In Spring 2000, a preliminary committee was convened to begin this process. A symposium on copyright issues and the University was held in March, and a series of workshops on specific issues followed. The symposium, which was held in New Brunswick and simultaneously broadcast to locations in Newark and Camden, was videotaped for use by those who were unable to attend. The preliminary committee determined that this educational initiative was a necessary prelude to the work of the Committee that is now being formed to revise the University Copyright Policy.

The Committee is charged with determining a policy that will serve University and academic values in the twenty-first century. The policy should provide guidance to those creating new works while safeguarding the access of Rutgers students, faculty, and staff to copyrighted materials. The Committee should consult broadly with colleagues across the University. The final policy must assess and balance the multiple needs of our academic community and develop a policy that best supports the ability of the University to carry out its educational, research, and service mission. Among the areas that may require special review are:

• Web pages for courses and other purposes;
• Distance education and on-line courses;
• Fair use in such areas as photocopying and multimedia;
• Plagiarism and the need for student and faculty education;
• Scholarly communication, including the faculty assignment of rights;
• Education about copyright for students and faculty;
• Infrastructure for implementation and ongoing assistance.

The Committee will be convened at the start of the academic year 2000-2001. I request that the recommendations of the Committee be submitted to me by April 30, 2001.

The work of this important Committee will influence the direction of the University in fundamental ways for many years to come. I hope you will be able to serve on this Committee. Please notify Marianne Gaunt (732-932-7505/email: gaunt@rci.rutgers.edu) and indicate whether you will be able to participate in this important work. I deeply appreciate your assistance and look forward to a constructive process and outcome.

Cc:	F. Lawrence
	R. Caprio
	M. Gaunt

Enc.