ARL continues to oppose the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act, which would grant private entities exclusive copyright ownership over elements of the law.
The Pro Codes Act would reverse a foundational legal principle that once a standard or code is incorporated by reference into law, it enters the public domain. This principle, known as the government edicts doctrine, has long ensured that libraries can provide meaningful access to government documents for researchers, students, and the general public.
Congress does not need to change the law in order for libraries, nonprofits, and startups to provide public access to the law.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit membership organization of research libraries and archives in major public and private universities, federal government agencies, and large public institutions in Canada and the US. ARL champions research libraries and archives, develops visionary leaders, and shapes policy for the equitable advancement of knowledge.
