Permissions to enjoy online works in print

January 2, 2011 10:01 PM

I want to print for myself just one copy of books I found via Project Gutenberg and Google Books, as well as compiled articles that I've found interesting in the internet. What important things should I be aware of?

I already read these two previously, and would like to know which is more cost-effective: Lulu or Blurb?

I also found someone who does it, and has created I think some sort of brand name out of it, which brings me to ask a few more questions:

1. Is it really okay to print out-of-copyright books, or those made available online? Do I need to ask permission and if yes, to whom will I direct this? I do not plan on selling it or anything. I just prefer to read an actual book rather than stare at the computer.

2. What about the images for the book covers? Can I just use any photo that I want?

3. I am also planning to compile online articles I've found and saved over the years and put them into a book, just like what this guy did. Again, do I need to ask permission from the authors?

posted by pleasebekind to Media & Arts (3 answers total)

As regards Project Gutenberg, check out their page on "No Cost or Freedom?" In short: it depends on the book; look at the license information at the beginning.
posted by sinfony at 10:48 PM on January 2, 2011

Best answer:

1. If a book is out of copyright then yes, it's OK to print it. You don't need permission. You could even sell it. Remember that even though a book has been "made available online" it may still be copyright. Stick to books on Project Gutenberg and ones where the author died more than seventy years ago if you want to be safe.
2. You can't use any photo you want for the cover, because copyright applies to photos, too. You'd need to take one that you own, or find one that's either out of copyright or which has been explicitly released for general use.
3. If the articles are copyrighted then you probably can't collect them to put in a book.

posted by Joe in Australia at 5:00 AM on January 3, 2011

BTW, Wikipedia has a book creator function now. You specify which articles you want, and it makes a PDF for you. The resulting books are totally OK to print.
posted by Harald74 at 7:16 AM on January 3, 2011