New translations in French and Russian of 'The Marrakesh Treaty: an EIFL Guide for Libraries' are now available online.

The new translations will help ensure that the guide is read in more EIFL partner countries, and is used by more librarians to advocate for ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty for persons with print disabilities.

The EIFL guide was first published in December 2014. It is in two parts:

PART 1

Part One is a straightforward introduction to the treaty, its key provisions, and the role of libraries in contributing to the treaty’s objectives.

PART 2

Part Two provides a practical interpretation of the major technical provisions, with recommendations, in line with public interest goals of enabling access to knowledge. While the guide is aimed at libraries, it can be easily adapted for use by other institutions meeting the treaty’s definition of “authorized entity”.

EIFL is supporting ratification of the treaty in partner countries, and its implementation into national copyright law. Libraries are key to the success of the treaty for two main reasons. Throughout the world, libraries have a long history serving people with print disabilities, and only blind people’s organizations, libraries and other so-called “authorized entities” can send accessible format copies to other countries. Because the treaty provides countries with important policy options, librarians need to be involved in the development of implementing national legislation to ensure the maximum possible benefit for persons who are blind, visually impaired and persons with other print disabilities.

The EIFL Guide to the Marrakesh Treaty is available in English, French and Russian.

Background

In June 2013, member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) adopted the “Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled”.

So far, six member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - El Salvador, India, Mali, Paraguay, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay - have ratified the treaty. The treaty will enter into force when it has been ratified by 20 countries.