Opening of the digital networks has revolutionised information availability, just as canals and roads opened up transport in the industrial revolution, . Digital technology makes it easier to copy works without loss of quality. Technology allows wider access, but the copyright barrier must be overcome before we can fulfil this potential. The definition of infringement of copyright, in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, is an act restricted by the copyright in every description of copyright work . Electrocopying is infringment, thus using digital works is not straightforward.
Libraries are worried about infringing.
Rights owners are worried about misuse of their work, and obtaining a fair return on it. Once stored in a computer, works can be transferred unseen, and republished in some other format and rights owners will lose sales. There is also fear that uploading and downloading from the Internet will become the norm. The facilities for electro-copying are available, reasonably cheap and convenient, and some fear that because they exist, there are no barriers to their use. Authors also feel that their moral right of integrity could be violated by manipulating and adapting works in digital form.