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When I buy a physical book, am I entitled to scan for myself? (self.asklemmy)

submitted 18 hours ago by niko to c/[email protected]

15 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I don't mean to distribute, but to scan for myself to read digitally, am I allowed to do that legally and ethically when I buy a physical book or would that be totally unethical and illegal?

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[–] [email protected] 48 points 18 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago) (5 children)

I did my searching based on music/CDs since the wording is a lot more clear, but the same rules apply since were still talking about copyright infringement.

As long you’re making the copy for personal use and aren’t selling/distributing, you are fully in the clear:

It’s okay to copy music onto special Audio CD-R’s, mini-discs, and digital tapes (because royalties have been paid on them) – but not for commercial purposes.

https://www.riaa.com/resources-learning/about-piracy/

As far as ethical, this is mostly up to you, but unless it’s from an independent artist/distributor, I personally see it as: if you were never going to be a customer to begin with, they're not losing anything. I am, however, against then reselling it yourself. Ymmv.

[–] niko 9 points 18 hours ago (4 children)

Oh, thanks! I have some books that is occupying too many spaces and I was wondering about it, I don't know what I'd do to the physical book afterwards though, would I still be in the clear if I donated the physical book to a public library or would be better if I somehow recycle it since it's mostly paper?

[–] [email protected] 11 points 17 hours ago (2 children)

Recycling is definetly in the clear, however donating to libraries would be more meaningful; as it offers a chance for more people to read them.

[–] niko 3 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

Would it be legal also if I had scanned it for myself only beforehand to access digitally? I also think it'd be more meaningful but the local library here gives you a form to fill if you want to donate anything so that gets me in doubt

[–] [email protected] 6 points 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago)

Legal? Likely not, as you're turning one copy into two copies.

Would anyone pursue you? Likely not. No one is going to get a warrant to search your devices to see if you've photocopied your books before giving them away; unless you're sharing the digital files publically.

Do not share the digital files publically, as that is definetly not legal.

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