Comments on: iTunes and Libraries question

By: Jenny Levine

Jenny Levine — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:12:38 +0000

I *believe* this is illegal, but IANAL. What you can do as a private citizen for yourself is different from what you can do as an institution for multiple users. Note that I don't agree with this, am just noting that I believe it to be the case. That said, check out http://tametheweb.com/2006/10/10/ttw-mailbox-sharing-itunes-copyright/. I know the DOK Library in Delft, Holland, does this, too, in a really unique and fantastic way (see http://flickr.com/photos/shifted/2342416374/ and http://flickr.com/photos/shifted/2341586333/), but obviously American copyright law doesn't apply to them. On the flip side, and admittedly not nearly as popular as some of what you'd load, is http://www.redferret.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php. I'll second the request to let us know if you pursue this.

By: Jason Puckett

Jason Puckett — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:07:41 +0000

I see absolutely zero wrong with it, Jason, and I’ve wondered about doing the same thing here. Then again, I don’t work in reserves and am probably ignorant of some of the legal issues. Would you post updates if anything comes of it?

By: Jason Griffey

Jason Griffey — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:04:06 +0000

Kyle: oh, there are a billion ways around the “not downloadable” part of iTunes. But as I see it, I’m only responsible for using a tool as it was meant to be used. If others are doing naughty things with it, it isn’t my problem…esp. if I don’t know it, or can’t tell it’s happening.

By: Kyle J.

Kyle J. — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:41:38 +0000

I had this conversation with the head of tech services, our copyright guru, a couple of months ago. It was more geared to what we could do with our reserves and not part of our collection.

My ethical stance on copyright is a bit liberal as I grew up on Napster. But, I believe that if the work is the library’s and it stays in the library, like our reserves would, then it should be allowed.

Obviously this negates some of the restrictions on our reserves: like only allowing one student to view the work for two hours at a time (I made that up but we have rules like that).

I see the power in using iTunes for much more than just music – think movie collections – think student created projects – think recently recorded radio shows from the campus radio station. It has a lot of potential if you’re willing to bend some of these nasty copyright rules.

As you said: anyone who has used iTunes knows, not downloadable. Not the complete truth, I’m sorry to say. Do a search on Lifehack for itunes stuff and you’re bound to find the right swiss army knife to get to the collection.

BUT – I’m still just as curious about this as you are.