A new copyright law in Moldova

A new copyright law came into force in Moldova on 1 January 2011. Thanks to the advocacy of the library community, working with EIFL, the new law contains some favourable provisions that will support libraries in Moldova in their work over the coming years. The provisions include the ability to make digital copies for preservation and replacement, the ability to create student course packs for short periods for education and classroom teaching, reproduction for research or private purposes, and the adaptation of materials for persons with a visual impairment and other reading disabilities.

Since 2008, REM (Resurse Electronice pentru Moldova – Electronic Resources for Moldova) together with the library association, has led a campaign to raise awareness among the local library community of copyright issues, and to advocate for a fair and balanced copyright law by providing comments and recommendations for improvements, with the assistance of international experts. During this time libraries built a relationship with the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), and were recognised as stakeholders - whose knowledge and views were appreciated - thus increasing the professional standing of the library community. Several key EIFL-IP resources were translated, including the EIFL Handbook on Copyright and Related Issues, and novel promotional materials were developed e.g. the 12 principles from the EIFL/IFLA/LCA statement of principles on library copyright exceptions and limitations were printed on a mug, to ponder while drinking coffee!

The leadership and commitment of Mariana Harjevschi, EIFL-IP librarian and Silvia Ghinculov, EIFL country coordinator, together with the local team is a great example of what can be achieved. EIFL was delighted to support REM, and we will be glad to share our experiences with other consortia. The legal changes were prompted by the EU-Moldova European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan. Even if there are no plans to update your copyright law right now, it is always good to be ready. We join others in congratulating REM on their 10th anniversary, and are looking forward to more achievements in the future.

Learm more about the project “Advocacy for Fair Copyright Laws in Moldova”

Text of the new copyright law (original language)

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