Copyright Issues

Yesterday I followed a link from the NZ-Libs listserv to some information from Tony Millet on the new section 92A of the Copyright Act. Some of the provisions of this Act have caused some concern in library circles, especially those that would seem to define libraries as ISPs (Internet Service Providers). It initially seemed as though breach of the provisions of the Copyright act could let to suspension of Internet services to the entire library, and perhaps the parent organisation. However, Clause 4.9 of the draft "Internet Service Provider Copyright Code of Practice" states that "Downstream ISPs (i.e.libraries) should not have their Internet access terminated" by telecommunications ISPs. The bad news is that, if a copyright breach by a library user is noted, the library must terminate the user's Internet access. This will pose some problems for most libraries as most don't keep records of who was using the computer at a particular time. At Tauranga City Library we have a suite of 13 computers in a learning centre and the learning centre tutor is present most of the time to log people off and on. A spreadsheet is maintained that details the number of the computer, the deposit paid and the time log-on occurred. When someone finishes the log-off time is recorded along with the number of pages printed and the total cost. At the end of each day the spreadsheet is printed off and filed. I guess that another column could be added to record the customer's name and then, if breach of copyright was reported, the relevant name could be added to a blacklist. I wonder if it is possible to identify which computer the breach ocurred on. If not, it would be impossible to identify the culprit as sometimes all 13 computers are being used at the same time. And how long do you ban someone for? Does one breach of copyright mean they can never again use the library's computers?