Practical Copyright Training for the Information Professional across the United States

 A librarian, archivist, or information professional’s subject-informed expertise is powerful and can serve an institution’s best interest. Coupling this expertise with the CFR library-focused copyright curriculum, emphasizing the special nature of libraries under copyright law, is a cornerstone of the CFR program. A well-trained CFR can ease a patron’s fears and present relevant legal alternatives grounded in well-established library law and policy. This expertise essentially reduces risk at the front lines and serves to create an informed, empowered community.

Copyright First Responders Training

The original Copyright First Responders (CFR) curriculum is a community-based initiative that equips library, archives, and museum professionals with the knowledge and confidence to address everyday copyright questions. Developed at Harvard Library and now active at institutions across the U.S., CFR fosters a network of practitioners who support their colleagues, promote copyright literacy, and build institutional capacity around copyright and fair use. Through regular meetings, workshops, and peer collaboration, CFR empowers participants to become trusted local resources in navigating copyright challenges in cultural and educational settings.

Fair Use for Libraries, Archives, and Other Cultural Institutions

The Fair Use for Libraries, Archives, and Other Cultural Institutions training is a practical, discussion-based workshop that helps cultural heritage professionals understand and confidently apply fair use in their daily work. Using real-world scenarios, community codes of best practices, and caselaw, the session explores how fair use supports access, preservation, teaching, and exhibition. Participants gain tools to assess fair use risks, make informed decisions, and advocate for user rights within their institutions.

Section 108 Deep Dive: The Library/Archive Right to Preservation and Access

Developed over the last five years of CFR work, the Section 108 Deep Dive: The Library/Archive Right to Preservation and Access is an in-depth workshop focused on Section 108 of U.S. copyright law, which grants specific rights to libraries and archives for preservation, replacement, and user access. Through case studies and interactive discussion, participants explore how to responsibly use these statutory exceptions, navigate their limits, and apply them in both analog and digital contexts. The session empowers cultural institutions to make informed, lawful decisions that support their preservation and access missions.