Why do exemptions apply to libraries, archives and museums?

Until recently, libraries, archives and museum didn't enjoy any special protection when it came to copyright. This was a problem, since these institutions often must make copies of deteriorating or damaged works, or as part of the management of their collections. Also, they often make copies of copyrighted materials for researchers, teachers or students. But because libraries, archives and museums don't make those copies for its own private use, it didn't qualify for the fair dealing exemptions, or the educational exemptions set out in the Copyright Act. And to complicate matters, libraries often have photocopy machines at which members of the public copy materials from the library collection. Libraries don't want to be responsible for copyright violations taking place at these machines.

To help solve this problem, the Act was recently amended to provide libraries, archives and museums, including those that form part of an educational institution, with special exemptions that recognize their unique role.

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