[LM_NET] HIT: Bookcover copyright issues (long overdue)

[Jackie Galante <galantej@OPTONLINE.NET>]

I saw a copyright question about bookcovers, and realized I never posted a hit with 
the information  I received in June(Sorry-hectic time). So here it is:
I asked about posting bookcovers on websites, and if this was a copyright/fair use 
violation. I received several conflicting responses. It seems to be a very grey 
area. 
Basically, as far as the publishers are concerned, most have no problem with 
posting the covers. Understandable, we are promoting the books. One response said 
it was OK as long as we were including a review of the book. There were conflicting 
responses about who actually owns the rights to the covers (publisher, artist, 
Amazon?)
As far as “Fair Use” goes, if it is instructional information that is password 
protected, it would probably be covered under the TEACH Act. But if not, and you 
look at the 4 aspects of fair use, it is questionable at best. If taken to court, I 
believe it could go either way.
After I read all the responses I received, I decided not to post the covers on my 
website. I would rather not take any chances. If at some point I decide to include 
covers in an instructional  ppt or movie that I want to post online, I would 
password protect the file so it could only be viewed by my students. 
I also saw  the post about a couple of electronic bookshelves- shelfari.com and 
goodreads.com. You can create “bookshelves” on these sites, then insert widgets or 
links into your homepage or blog.  An interesting alternative that I am playing 
with now. 
No clear answer, but I hope it helps,
Jackie Galante
Fairfield Woods Middle School
Fairfield, CT
jgalante@fairfield.k12.ct.us
 

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