*Can public libraries (including university libraries) digitize their collection for dissemination to the users? * The European Court of Justice (EJC) states that authors have the right to prohibit the reproduction andcommunication of their works to the public. The court, however, clarified an exception to this right that permits public libraries, for the purpose of research or private study, to make an author's work electronically accessible to library users at electronic reading points within the libraries. The EJC said that* a library would be unable to reali**z**e "its core mission or promote the public interest in promoting research and private study without being able to do this*." However, the court emphasized that printing or electronically transferring an author's work is an act of reproduction, which, if allowed, would require fair compensation to the rights holder. Arun -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.