IN DEPTH ‘‘
Naomi Korn is Managing Director of Naomi Korn Associates.
www.cilip.org.uk/CopyrightConf25
Is AI a threat to the delicate copyright ecosystem, and how might its usage impact copyright regulations in the future?
Impact and opportunity: Copyright Conference 2025
Coming up on Thursday 22 May is the return of the CILIP/Naomi Korn Associates Copyright Conference, which provides an essential and practical guide through the latest copyright and licensing developments. Naomi Korn looks at some of the hot topics that will be shaping this year’s programme. Book here
www.cilip.org.uk/CopyrightConf25.
THE CILIP Copyright Conference, run in asso- ciation with Naomi Korn Associates is always a highlight of the year for me. The conference is tailored for information professionals and librarians, copyright leads, educators, and anyone involved in managing the use of copy- righted materials. It’s always an ideal annual pit-stop for us all to delve into crucial copy- right and licensing issues affecting librarians and information professionals, from the chal- lenges posed by AI to the evolving landscape of digital licensing.
Staying up to date with copyright developments is essential for librarians and information profession- als. As the custodians of knowledge and access, they play a pivotal role in ensuring that their organisa- tions comply with ever-evolving copyright laws, protecting institutional, rights holders and user interests.
Keeping pace with these developments and those in the digital spaces in which we operate, enables librarians and information professionals to support new ways of creating, sharing, and utilising informa- tion. It also positions them as advocates, focal points and often leaders in navigating the complex inter- section of law, technology, creativity and practice, where often the answer is “it depends”! I certainly believe that being able to guide users in the responsi- ble use of resources, understanding the complex fair dealing/licensing landscape in which they operate and influence policy discussions along the way, ensures that librarians and information professionals can safeguard the principles of equitable access and intellectual freedom.
22 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL AI’s continued impact
AI is transforming how we access, use and process information at an unprecedented pace, offering groundbreaking opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Whilst it’s clear what AI can do for us; it’s rapid progress also brings copyright challenges. AI systems, particularly large language models, rely on vast datasets, often comprising copyrighted material, to operate effectively.
This reliance raises critical concerns: Are creators and rights holders receiving appropriate attribution and fair (or any) compensation? Is the use of such material aligned with ethical standards, copyright law and the avoidance of plagiarism? Is AI a threat to the delicate copyright ecosystem, and how might its usage impact copyright regulations in the future? For librarians and information professionals across all types of organisations, these issues are es- pecially significant. As custodians of knowledge and champions of equitable access, they find themselves navigating the delicate balance between providing access, appraising potential risks, complying with the legislation and licensing agreements and safe- guarding rights.
This role becomes increasingly complex in an AI-driven world, where technological advances often challenge existing copyright frameworks. So, it’s about how we can all harness the extraordinary and rapidly evolving functionality of AI, within the con- text of academic integrity, professional and ethical standards and the copyright and licensing regime. I don’t think anyone really has all the answers right now but keeping pace with developments and hook- ing into professional networks and hearing from
Spring 2025
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