The European Orphan Works Directive - an EIFL Guide | EIFL

"In October 2012, Directive 2012/28/EU on certain permitted uses of orphan works (known as the orphan works Directive) was adopted by Member States of the European Union (EU). The Directive sets out common rules for the digitization and online display of orphan works. Unfortunately hopes that the Directive would enable large-scale digitization of orphan works by libraries, and enable the works to be made available online for educational and cultural purposes, were not realized. Libraries in EU Member States must wait until the review in 2015 to seek improvements. This Guide sets out the background and key provisions of the Directive. It makes recommendations for libraries for implementation in EIFL partner countries that are members of the EU, and advises libraries in EIFL partner countries with EU bilateral agreements on crafting solutions that best meet their local circumstances and capacity. The full text of the Directive can be read here. Browse the guide online or download [PDF]."