As librarians pursue ways to offer online programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, many publishers and authors continue to temporarily relax copyright restrictions to allow for virtual library programming using their works. Below is a list of resources, articles, and information regarding copyright. Please read the individual pages carefully, as they can differ significantly as to their requirements and limitations.

Information on Individual Publishers:

• School Library Journal (SLJ) maintains an extensive document on individual publishers that is consistently updated with rights extensions: SLJ COVID-19 Publisher Information Directory (Update: As the world works on reopening safely, some publishers have decided to extend their deadlines in the meantime. Publishers with extended dates are highlighted in the table of contents with an *.)
• Penguin Randomhouse - License extended to September 30th, 2021
• Cherry Lake/Sleeping Bear – Please delete any publicly posted videos (on Youtube, Instagram. Facebook, etc) by September 1, 2021. 

Group Sourced Documents

• VT School Library Association (VSLA) is continually updating a document on School Resources for Teachers. Section 6 has resources on copyright (and will be updated as they come across additional copyright releases/information).
• This group-sourced Google document lists “Author Permissions for Book Reading Recordings.” It includes publishers that have given blanket permission.

Additional Resources

• Fair Use Webinar (Presented by the Washington School of Law at American University's Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x3S-8wZikw
• From EdSurge: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-03-30-can-teachers-read-books-out-loud-online-actually-yes
• From School Library Journal: "Tackling Copyright Concerns When Taking Storytime Online"
• Storytime copyright tips from the Programming Librarian blog (2011 blog post)
• Copyright FAQ’s from the State Library of Iowa
• Public Statement of Library Copyright Specialists: Fair Use & Emergency Remote Teaching and Research - A very thorough document on fair use in higher ed that is applicable to some public library scenarios.
• ACRL Presents: Understanding Fair Use Through Copyright Law (YouTube Video) - A recording of the February 25, 2020 ACRL Presents: Understanding Fair Use Through Case Law, with speakers Sandra Aya Enimil and Maria Scheid.