International Copyright Symposium 21- 22 April 2008

International Copyright Symposium 21- 22 April 2008
The Book in the Internet Era: Copyright and the Future for Authors, Publishers and Libraries.

Amsterdam will be World Book Capital from the 23rd of April 2008 to the 22nd of April 2009. UNESCO honoured the Dutch capital with this title in recognition of the programme organised by the professional Dutch book sector and literary world, thus ensuring broad support. The international symposium The Book in the Internet Era: Copyright and the Future for Authors, Publishers and Libraries will take place on the eve of this exceptional year-long event.

The origins of copyright can be derived from the authorโ€™s right to be recognised as a maker of an original work, and to reap the financial benefits of his creation. Over time however, copyright seems to have become much less of a matter for individual makers and much more an aspect of business within the knowledge and information industry, comprising a whole range of institutions, from universities to Hollywood studios and from libraries to television stations. The economic significance of copyright has therefore increased enormously. Recently, digital developments have brought about fundamental changes for all those involved in the publishing chain, from the author, via the publisher and intermediary to the reader or viewer. This transformation process continues apace.

In view of these significant developments, the Dutch Publishers Association (Nederlands Uitgeversverbond, NUV) the Dutch Writers Guild (Vereniging van Letterkundigen, VvL), the Netherlands Library Forum (FOBID), and the Dutch Foundation for Copyright Promotion (Stichting Auteursrechtmanifestaties, STAM) have taken the initiative to explore specific issues regarding the consequences of digital developments for copyright.

Subdivided into three sessions, the symposium will shed light on this problematic area from the viewpoint of three parties involved in the process: the author, the publisher and the library. The symposium will thus try to interconnect all book related sectors, while underpinning public awareness and interest in copyright.

The guest speakers at this symposium include, among others, Dr. Ernst Hirsch Ballin, Dutch Minister of Justice, Paul Goldstein (Professor of Law at Stanford University), Richard Charkin (Executive Director of Bloomsbury) and James Boyle (Professor of Law at Duke University).
The venue for the symposium is Amsterdamโ€™s new Public Library (next to Amsterdam Central Station) and the official language is English.

The fee for the two-day programme is โ‚ฌ 350,-, including lunch. Amsterdam World Book Capital has negotiated reduced rates at several hotels in Amsterdam. You will soon be able to book these hotels via our website.

Authors and guests from economically disadvantaged countries are entitled to a specially reduced fee.

For the provisional programme, see our website www.amsterdamworldbookcapital.com