The centrepiece for libraries of the new copyright legislation are provisions that enable digitization for socially beneficial purposes, such as education and preservation of cultural heritage.

The new law also implements two important European Union Directives, the Directive on orphan works and the Directive on public lending right.

The document analyses the following key amendments related to libraries: permitted uses by libraries; permitted uses in education and science; permitted uses of orphan works; permitted uses of out-of-commerce works; introduction of a public lending right (PLR); abolition of the paying public domain.

While it is early days to assess the impact of the new legislation, the library community is working hard to raise awareness and train librarians on what the changes will mean for library activities and services in Poland.

We hope that this document serves as a useful analysis for librarians and policy-makers involved in copyright law reform around the world.

Read more about copyright reform in Poland: EIFL in Action