From 18-19 October 2019, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) hosted an international conference on issues of copyright exceptions and limitations for libraries, archives and museums.

Discussions with experts and professionals from the heritage sector, education and research came from around the world to discuss the need for exceptions and limitations to copyright.

We welcome the recognition by Member States of the urgency of a concrete plan of action to help libraries, archives and museums to preserve the heritage of humanity which has never been so threatened by conflict, the lack of means and global warming (floods, fire).

Following this meeting, WIPO today opens the 39th Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) where Member States will meet to discuss various topics including copyright exceptions and limitations for LAMs.

The members of the IFLA team continue to make the voices of the libraries heard and to call for balanced legal instruments for both our institutions, and our partners in archives and museums.

Follow the discussions through the live webcast or our team on Twitter: Stephen Wyber and Camille Françoise. Read our note from the international conference as a pdf.