What is The Ralph Nader Library?

The Ralph Nader Library, inspired by Ralph Nader's tremendous contributions to the welfare of human beings, is a project of American Buddha, an Oregon nonprofit corporation that makes available selected artistic and literary works under a system of voluntary, free online lending, under the fair use exclusion from copyright liability accorded to libraries and archives pursuant to 17 U.S.C. Section 108.  American Buddha Director and Librarian Tara Lyn Carreon is a member of the American Library Association, and adheres to the ALA Code of Ethics. American Buddha educates members as to the meaning of lawful fair use of copyrighted materials, and imposes contractual and technical limitations on access to the archive.  The Ralph Nader Library contains materials that are protected by copyright, and by accessing this content, library users are agreeing not to violate those copyrights by piratical behavior, i.e., using the materials for anything other than private study, scholarship or research.

JOIN THE LIBRARY

If you intend to use the Ralph Nader Library, please take a moment to send us an email at NaderLibrary and put "JOIN" in the subject line.  We promise never, ever, ever to send you an email unless it is of the utmost importance to the library.  We just want to know how many folks are using the library, and occasionally, if we have some great new materials to let you know about, we can contact you.  Please send us that email with "JOIN" in the subject line right now, read the Library Copyright Notice below, and enjoy the library collection.

LIBRARY COPYRIGHT NOTICE

(37 C.F.R. 201.14)

The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction.

One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.'' If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use,'' that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

Legal Representation by Online Media Law, PLLC

To send DMCA Notices to The Ralph Nader Library's Legal Representative, Click here

As is clearly stated in the Notice above, ABOL does not exist to enable copyright violation, but rather to make digital media available to the Internet public for purposes of private study, scholarship and research.  Users who deploy mass-downloaders, scrapers and site-copying programs to copy content indiscriminately, as distinguished from those who read with their eyes, one line at a time, and listen to music one song at a time, are violating copyright laws.  Just as brick-and-mortar libraries are not responsible for the conduct of persons creating pirated photocopies of library books, ABOL is not responsible for such digital violations of copyright.  In order to deter such conduct to the greatest extent possible, and protect ABOL's library mission, ABOL is working to establish an administrative system to record and preserve identifying IP information that will be provided to copyright claimants to identify copyright violators.  Further, in the event that claims of infringement are made against ABOL due to the conduct of users who deploy mass-downloaders, scrapers and site-copying programs, ABOL reserves the right to take legal action against them. (7/20/12)

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.

Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.

We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.

The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.

1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
3. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
4. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

Adopted at the 1939 Midwinter Meeting by the ALA Council; amended June 30, 1981; June 28, 1995; and January 22, 2008.

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