The National Library yesterday opened a three-day exhibition of Guyanese books and presentations by students from several secondary schools in observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2013.
This yearly event seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property.
Dr Joyce Jonas a past examiner of CXC in her feature address told the students that the next time they see a photocopied textbook; they should spare a thought for the persons behind publishing and production that went into the book. Taking credit or using material that is not your own is not allowed she told the students. “Those who did the work deserve to be paid,” she added.
Creativity is stifled because of pirates out there, she said, adding, “If a book is photocopied, a writer cannot get paid, people who did work cannot profit.
This is a serious issue and there are currently copyright laws in place.”
