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When I buy a physical book, am I entitled to scan for myself? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 month ago by niko@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

23 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I don't mean to distribute, but to scan for myself to read digitally, am I allowed to do that legally and ethically when I buy a physical book or would that be totally unethical and illegal?

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[–] niko@sh.itjust.works 11 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Oh, thanks! I have some books that is occupying too many spaces and I was wondering about it, I don't know what I'd do to the physical book afterwards though, would I still be in the clear if I donated the physical book to a public library or would be better if I somehow recycle it since it's mostly paper?

[–] CaptainBasculin@lemmy.ml 14 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Recycling is definetly in the clear, however donating to libraries would be more meaningful; as it offers a chance for more people to read them.

[–] niko@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Would it be legal also if I had scanned it for myself only beforehand to access digitally? I also think it'd be more meaningful but the local library here gives you a form to fill if you want to donate anything so that gets me in doubt

[–] CaptainBasculin@lemmy.ml 8 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Legal? Likely not, as you're turning one copy into two copies.

Would anyone pursue you? Likely not. No one is going to get a warrant to search your devices to see if you've photocopied your books before giving them away; unless you're sharing the digital files publically.

Do not share the digital files publically, as that is definetly not legal.

[–] otacon239@lemmy.world 7 points 1 month ago

Technically speaking you’re supposed to destroy your local copy of you no longer have the original since the rights stay with the original. That being said, no one is coming to knock on your door for photocopying some books you owned and no longer own.