eifl[Electronic Information for Libraries, (CC-BY)]

In October 2012, Directive 2012/28/EU on certain permitted uses of orphan works (known as the orphan works Directive) was adopted by Member States of the European Union (EU). The Directive sets out common rules for the digitization and online display of orphan works.

Unfortunately hopes that the Directive would enable large-scale digitization of orphan works by libraries, and enable the works to be made available online for educational and cultural purposes, were not realized.

This Guide sets out the background and key provisions of the Directive. It makes recommendations for libraries for implementation in EIFL partner countries that are members of the EU, and advises libraries in EIFL partner countries with EU bilateral agreements on crafting solutions that best meet their local circumstances and capacity.

Download or browse the Guide. We hope it is a useful resource, http://www.eifl.net/european-orphan-works-directive-eifl-guide

Check out other EIFL resources here, http://www.eifl.net/eifl-ip-resources