In addition, the CLRC recommended that the current non-exclusive factors be applied generally to all fair dealing enquires. The CLRC's proposal was intended to allow greater flexibility in determining new circumstances to which fair dealing can apply in response to changing technology. The CLRC adopted such a flexible approach so that fair dealing could be applied appropriately in the digital environment, which may give rise to fair dealing uses which may not be contemplated in the print environment. The Digital Bill proposes amendments which will allow libraries to respond and take advantage of the challenges of the digital age. Essentially, the Digital Bill applies the existing exceptions which libraries enjoy in the print environment to the online environment.
Reproduction includes digital conversion of works from hardcopy to electronic form.
Copyright owners have expressed concern that libraries will now be able to compete with commercial online publishers. A library will be able to purchase material, in either print or electronic form, and make it available to other libraries and users. There is no more need for one print copy per library. In addition, libraries will arguably be able to digitise their existing collections for preservation or to respond to an email request from a user. Libraries Exception - Use in Library Under the Digital Bill in it s current form, although libraries may make reproduce and communicate print and electronic works, the use which users may make of works is still subject to ordinary copyright principles.