Sharon has brought up a very interesting question in response to my recent message concerning copyright laws. I consider this something that many of you might want to be a little clearer on, so, since I use to work for a publisher, I plan to contact some of my coworkers, and to research this question and will publish what I find on the website. This is what Sharon asked me: <<Anne, Do the copyright laws prohibit copying material that is placed in our family research files, even if that information is not published, etc. I know the library has a note on the copy machine regarding copying from books, but the machine is there for that purpose! What about census books. I would think that wouldn't have a copyright. Public records that are recorded and published wouldn't be copyrighted, is that correct. I am new to researching and need to learn all I can. Thanks, Sharon >> And this is my response to Sharon: I never thought about census records being copyrighted...but I do not think they are. I can find out from my company (I am retired from a private publisher) who can give me the right answer. However, your public library more than likely has a book or two on copyright laws. I used to edit a newsletter for one of the craft groups and that was one of the things we were asked about continuously. Check for books on the subject with your librarian, but in the meantime, I will ask the right person at my company about the laws and get back to you. I will probably put this type of thing out on the Union County website for everyone to see. Thanks for your question. Since I am writing a book on my family, it is pertinent for me to find this information out for myself. Glad you asked it! I will get back to you, but if a month goes by and you have not heard from me, feel free to check with me, because it may be that the answer might not be readily forthcoming. Anne