Thanks for posting this. The article is pretty spot on and The Coop's actions are just plain laughable. But the writer's point about copyright law intending to free information seems a little idealistic.

From what I understand, copyright is intended to protect authors and encourage innovation, thereby keeping the economic engine going. This talk of liberating information seems a bit naive in reference to the law, or at least to how it's actually applied. I get the impression it's an angle the author used that served the purposes of writing the article quite well, but is a little "off."

This book store situation is a poignant example of the confusing point we're at regarding the evolution of IP law, its application in the new economy, and whom its meant to protect. With the shakeup of our intellectual property rights regime brought on by digitization, and the resulting increased economic threats, copyright law is increasingly used to limit access to information, whether or not it's appropriate.

One would think that interpretation of the law should err on the side of more open access when considering students in an academic setting. Who else hates the convoluted nature of E Course Reserves?

It's hard to believe a book store associated with any academic institution would support such manipulative, not to mention ignorant behavior.

Nicole K. Guerra