Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 February 2019
Problems of copyright infringement involved in the extensive and largely uncontrolled use of coin operated photocopying machines in libraries, particularly University libraries, have become the most acute in Australian copyright law at the present time. These problems are not of course unique to Australia, but the recent decision of the High Court in University of New South Wales v Moorhouse and Angus & Robertson (Publishers) Pty Ltd has created a serious and difficult situation for libraries for which a workable solution has not yet been found. In 1974 the Australian government appointed a Committee, known as the Franki Committee, to examine the question of the reprographic reproduction of copyright works in Australia and to recommend any alterations to the copyright law and any other measures considered necessary to effect a proper balance of interest between owners and users of copyright materials in respect of reprographic reproduction. The Committee has not yet made its report and it is not known whether any recommendations will be made which will assist libraries in arriving at a solution to the legal problems now facing them where selfservice coin operated photocopying machines are made available for use by readers.
1 (1975) 6 ALR 193.Google Scholar
2 Copyright Act 1968-1973, ss. 13 (1), 14 (1) (a), 31 (1) (a) (i) and 40.Google Scholar
3 6 ALR 193, per Gibbs J at pp. 202–4, per Jacobs J (with whom McTiernan ACJ agreed) at pp. 209–10.Google Scholar
4 Per Gibbs J at p. 202.Google Scholar
5 At pp. 201, 202.Google Scholar
6 At p. 203.Google Scholar
7 At pp. 199–200.Google Scholar