Re: Permission to copy whole works in alternative forms

On 20/05/97, Terry Carroll <carroll[_at_]tjc.com> wrote:
>
> Question: 121(b)(1)(A) requires that such copies and phonorecords may not
> be "in a format other than a specialized format exclusively for use by
> blind or other persons with disabilities." Would this exclude ordinary
> cassette tape? That is, are there special audio formats not in general
> use that are used by the blind?

There used to be, - in the days pre-vinyl - there were "talking book" disks which played at 16.6 rpm. I have seen the speed setting on old record players. However, on the face of it, your section 121(b)(1)(A) would seem to preclude the use of cassettes, which seems a bit unfair, as making 16.6 disks is not a domestic or even a library operation. Apart from some electronic Braille devices, I don't know of any other exclusive formats. There looks to be a general convergence at present towards CD format for just about everything, although I have noticed quite a few novels now appearing on cassette, produced by the publishers - whether this is tapping in to the disabilty market or the illiteracy market I don't know. The convergence towards CD would limit the options of disabled people under this clause even further, wouldn't it?

Mike Lean
Copyright Officer
QUT Australia
<m.lean[_at_]qut.edu.au> Received on Wed May 21 1997 - 22:43:30 GMT