The libraries are not contesting the function of copyright. They believe excessive copyright laws should not be allowed to thwart the performance of their special social tasks in a digital society. In the present setup, libraries have a special position on a number of counts. The reasons for that special position remain valid even with the arrival of digital media. The libraries are therefore arguing that they should not be subject to greater impediments than previously, simply because copyright legislation offers unnecessary or unreasonable protection to copyright holders.
Libraries have to be able to benefit from special regulations in a digital environment too.
Naturally, these benefits do not apply to commercial activities. Copyright was not designed to impede access to information. It encourages the production link in the information chain. There has to be a balance between the rights of authors, publishers and other parties with rights on the one hand, and, on the other, the social need for the free flow of information. Copyright is therefore a socio-economic instrument, which has to be applied proportionately.