Copyright First Responders was first developed by Kyle K. Courtney, Copyright Advisor for Harvard University, in 2013 in order to help develop a shared understanding of basic and common library copyright issues between his office and front-line, subject specialist librarians at Harvard. Through intensive training, and on-going access to an active community of practice, CFR librarians are able to respond more effectively to routine copyright issues that arise in their work and refer less-routine questions more effectively for more expert assistance. Improving front-line copyright support should result in better, more timely responses to routine inquiries/issues and reduce institutional risk by increasing and improving the overall capacity and ensuring that complex questions are appropriately escalated. You can read more in "The Copyright First Responders Model."
Since its inception in 2013, CFR has grown to include networks across the United States. The CFRNY network was pleased to join this national community in 2022.
CFRNY is a community of practice, not a committee, not a formal organization. As such, our activities reflect the interests, abilities, and needs of our members. A small group of volunteer co-facilitators manage logistics as necessary. The goal of CFRNY is to improve capacity around copyright within the library community in New York State. We do this in a variety of ways:
Peer support. First and foremost, CFRNY is a place where library folks who deal with copyright issues in the normal course of their work and/or who are in roles that call upon them to provide support to colleagues around copyright can draw on upon the expertise, resources, and camaraderie of their peers in the network. Members participate in a private email list where they can share questions and concerns about copyright and support one another with information and resources.
Ongoing professional development. CFRs receive regular updates about current copyright topics from Kyle K. Courtney and others. Additionally, there are regular opportunities for copyright-related discussion among members.
Support for colleagues. In addition to supporting one another, CFRs are committed to supporting their colleagues at their own institutions and in the region. Check out the directory to see if there’s a CFR at your institution.
Copyright chats. CFRs aren’t able to provide legal advice and will decline to do so if asked but we can be well-informed sounding boards, connecting you with resources and helping you think through the relevant details of your situation.
Copyright First Responders New York State (CFRNY) launched in 2022 with thanks from funding from the SUNY Librarians Association Professional Development Grant and the University at Albany Libraries, which supported the training of the first cohort by Kyle K. Courtney.
In Spring 2024, Kyle returned to train the second cohort, which included participants from a more diverse array of institutions, including public libraries, school libraries, and historical societies.
CFRNY will continue to expand this program and network, aiming to offer training regularly.