Further confusion arises when considering the recommendation in light of already available technology, such as digital photocopiers. In respect of the exceptions provided to the right of first digitisation, the lack of an exception for fair dealing for research and study purposes will result in educational institutions being greatly hindered in their development of technology to provide services to the nation's students. The exception to the right of first digitisation for remote users of libraries is further fraught with complications. As it stands, whilst a library can photocopy and fax a print work, they cannot scan and e-mail the same request to a user unless that user is four days away via Australia Post delivery schedules. Again, it is a case of making it harder for cultural institutions to utilise the benefits of new technology in their provision of services to users.
Further complications arise when the question of 'when the four day rule applies from' is raised.
Questions such as these need answers if the real implications of the recommendation are to be understood by those in the industry. Technological neutrality is consciously discarded by the Committee through this recommendation and whilst the three year review period is applauded, it could be anticipated that this recommendation will meet its use-by date far before then. This is a key issue for university libraries and libraries in general. The government will soon provide its response to the LACA Advisory Report, at which point we shall see how many of the Committee's recommendations are accepted as amendments to the Bill . Pressure needs to be maintained on the government and opposition at this critical time.