Universities will face more bureaucracy and higher bills for photocopying when a new European directive comes into force in December, according to the Society of College, National and University Libraries.
Under fair dealing agreements, UK researchers can copy a limited amount of any published work if it is for their own use. The new legislation will abolish this right for commercial research. The UK Patent Office has put the proposed legislation out for consultation.
Details: http://www.patent.gov.uk/about/consultations/eccopyright/index.htm