Leading Industry Experts Join MDA IP Advisory Committee
A number of leading industry experts including key figures from the library, publishing and picture library industries have joined the newly-formed MDA IP Advisory Committee. The Committee, which includes representation from the Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS) and the Bridgeman Art Library, provides a unique opportunity to build consensus across a range of sectors about the potential for the exploitation and use of Intellectual Property managed by museums.
The inaugural meeting of the MDA IP Advisory Committee identified a number of priorities which will shape the development of MDA's products and services to museums in the years to come. These include the need to provide simple guidance for museums to meet Due Diligence requirements when clearing rights as well as the exploration of new business models based on open licensing.
Nick Poole, MDA Director, commented; 'Copyright is a key aspect of MDA's work on behalf of the sector. MDA is already a leading provider of training in copyright and we work closely with the Museums Copyright Group to represent the interests of museums as owners and managers of copyright material. The MDA IP Advisory Committee will help us to identify future priorities and deliver better, more tailored services which meet the developing needs of our users'.
The Membership of the MDA IP Advisory Committee includes copyright experts and representatives from national and regional organisations as well as organisations with an interest in the use of copyright material in collections:
- Christian Ahlert, Creative Commons UK (and Openbusiness.org)
- Harriet Bridgeman, The Bridgeman Art Library
- Jo Cave, Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS)
- David Dawson, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
- Naomi Korn, IP Officer, MDA
- Fiona Marshall, MLA East Midlands
- Tom Morgan, National Portrait Gallery
- Angela Murphy, Courtauld Institute of Art
- Professor Charles Oppenheim, Loughborough University
- Nick Poole, Director, MDA
- Linda Royles, British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA)
- Nicola Solomon, Finers Stephens Innocent LLP
- Barbara Stratton, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
- Ben White, British Library
Speaking after the inaugural meeting, Tom Morgan, Head of Rights & Reproductions at the National Portrait Gallery, commented: 'Museums and galleries have very complex interests in respect of copyright and other forms of intellectual property. For the first time, we have a forum where these competing interests can be properly aired. The energetic inaugural meeting revealed points of conflict but also an astonishing consensus towards finding or facilitating appropriate solutions, backed by a wealth of expertise and creative imagination.
This is extremely encouraging, as a step on the way to achieving the strategic approach to IPR, which our sector sorely needs, in order to play its part in delivering a whole range of strategic areas including the creative/knowledge economy, lifelong learning, citizenship, cultural engagement, and the sustainability of our public service activities. The National Portrait Gallery is very proud to have been the venue for this meeting, as part of our active commitment to driving best practice in IPR.'
Notes for Editors
For further information about the work of MDA, the role of the MDA IP Advisory Committee, or to interview Nick Poole, MDA Director, contact Eleanor Lovegrove, Marketing Officer at eleanor@mda.org.uk or by telephone on 01223 316 028.
MDA is the UK's lead organisation in documentation and the management of collections information. Our vision is of a sector in which collections are managed efficiently, effectively and in accordance with national standards to create inspiring, engaging and sustainable services.
The initials MDA formerly stood for Museum Documentation Association.
MDA is supported by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) www.mla.gov.uk
