proACTive

Number 242: March 2004

ACTive ALIA convenor's column

ACTive ALIA happy hour

The first ACTive ALIA happy hour was held at the Hotel Kurrajong on Friday, 13 February. It was a great success, with many members attending. We sat on the wide covered veranda of the historic hotel, looking out on the courtyard. Drinks were half price and waiters circulated with platters of hot nibbles. The group grew as newcomers added chairs and tables to form a large informal group. I don't know the prices of individual drinks but they were really cheap (we got four drinks for $11.00!).

Join us for the next one on Friday, 12 March, at Hotel Kurrajong, National Circuit, Barton, from 5:30pm. Meet your colleagues and catch up with old friends.

New advocacy resource for ALIA members

There is a new resource on the ALIA website containing a toolkit of 'how to' guides for advocacy and lobbying activities. Currently there are two guides, the first containing information on raising sponsorship, and the second containing tips on how to deal with the media. To view, visit the ALIA website

Free Trade Agreement caves in on copyright

The Australian Federal Government seems to have capitulated to US demands on copyright issues in the Free Trade Agreement with the US. The spin the government has put on the copyright aspect of the FTA is that: 'Australian publishers, film-makers and musicians will receive an extended term of copyright protection, with agreed criminal standards for copyright infringement.'

There is no mention of the much greater advantages to American copyright owners and the disadvantages to Australian users.

Dr Matthew Rimmer, an expert in copyright law, explains: 'Under this deal, copyright protection is extended from 50 to 70 years after the death of the author.'

He adds: 'This new agreement will undoubtedly benefit the private financial interests of corporations and heirs who own existing copyright works, but will harm the public interest in the access to cultural heritage. In the past, the Federal Government has rejected proposals to extend the term of copyright protection. The Intellectual Property Competition Review Committee investigated whether the copyright term should be extended, but could find no empirical evidence whatsoever to support such an extension of the copyright term.'

Remembering Warren Horton

NLA staff will host a celebration of Warren Horton's career on Friday, 26 March, at 6:00pm in the Library. If you would like to join them in remembering Warren and his significant contribution to the profession, ph 02 6262 1122 by 23 March for more information or to RSVP.

Helen Roberts
Convenor, ACTive ALIA

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