CSLP Intellectual Property Rules updated 2024
FAQ for Member Libraries on CSLP Intellectual Property Use
1. What is CSLP?
The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is a member-driven, non-profit organization that provides a variety of materials, including programming manuals, incentive items, artwork, themes/slogans, and other marketing materials to support summer reading programs in libraries.
Our member libraries purchase both membership and programming manual subscriptions on behalf of all their library outlets in a given geographic area. They distribute their copies physically or provide an online code for public library online access. See our list of member states and nations here.
If you are not in a member state, library outlets may join for $20 a theme year. They may also purchase a copy of our annual themed programming manual in our store and that $20 fee will be added to their order based on their address. Purchase a copy in the format that suits (USB drive, print or online). Please purchase a copy for EVERY outlet that will be using our theme year. One copy of our manual does not cover an entire library system or region, so if you have branches that will use our theme, also purchase them a membership and a copy of the programming manual. If you are a large system or multi-branch and would like to join as a system, you may be invoiced for the total number of outlets in your area. Contact [email protected] for more info.
2. What are the Intellectual Property Rules for CSLP materials?
By using CSLP’s trademarked materials, your library agrees to follow these rules governing the use of CSLP’s intellectual property. Members should make every effort to credit CSLP for our intellectual property, including using themes, slogans and imagery that retains our copyright/trademark symbol. This includes the copyright symbol on our artwork/marketing materials and the trademark symbol on the slogan.
3. How can we use CSLP’s themed Summer Reading Program Manual?
Permitted Uses:
- Programming: Use the manual for year-round programming activities.
- Training: Train librarians for summer programs.
- Collaboration: Work with state agencies on summer programs.
- Accessibility: Translate or adapt the manual for special needs.
- Display: Display, print and distribute standalone “printables” from the manual.
Restrictions:
- Single Building Use: Each manual purchase is valid for use in one library building only. Do not download or distribute to other locations or non-members.
- No Revisions or Online Sharing: Do not revise the manual without express permission or display it online.
4. What are the guidelines for using CSLP’s summer themed artwork and slogans?
Permitted Uses:
- Paper Items: Use on marketing materials like posters, flyers, and certificates.
- Marketing: Use in promoting library programs and events.
- Unique Items: Use on one-of-a-kind items or food products that are not for resale.
- Apparel: Use on apparel for staff or giveaways. For any resale, obtain permission and possibly pay a trademark usage fee.
- Online Use: Display and transmit artwork and slogans online without alterations.
- Accessibility: Adapt artwork and slogans for patrons with special needs.
Restrictions:
- No Separate Use: Artwork and slogans must be used in the context of CSLP programs.
- No Alterations: Only resize artwork; do not remove ™ or © symbols.
- No Similar Products: Do not use CSLP artwork on items similar to CSLP products without permission.
5. What about copying CSLP products?
You may not contract with third parties to produce items similar to CSLP’s products without prior written permission from CSLP.
6. Can our library create custom items?
To create customized non-paper items with CSLP artwork or to resell items with CSLP’s trademarked slogans, contact the CSLP Executive Director. A licensing fee may apply. CSLP can create some custom items for members at competitive prices depending on the quantity needed. Please refer to our Custom Order Form to inquire.
7. What should third party entities know about use of CSLP’s intellectual property?
- Non-Member entities cannot use CSLP themes, manuals, logos, slogans, or artwork without permission. This includes performers!
- Member entities/current non-profit partners can display CSLP materials to show support, as long as credit is given to CSLP and copyright/trademark symbols are visible on the work.
- For-Profit entities need a formal trademark agreement (with an associated fee depending on the type of use) in place for each theme year they wish to use. Contact the Executive Director to discuss the possibilities.
- For inquiries regarding affiliate relationships (a company with products they would like to sell to libraries that have our annual theme/slogan/artwork on them), please contact the Executive Director.
8. How should we handle proprietary information?
Do not share CSLP proprietary information, including RFPs, RFQs, contracts, or CSLP’s registered users list, with non-members.
9. What should we do with CSLP materials after the program?
Retain CSLP materials for future use, such as winter reading programs or other library events. If disposing of materials, please recycle, if possible.
10. Can our library use CSLP’s evergreen slogans such as “Libraries Are Life,” “Love My Library,” or “Library Love”?
We appreciate your enthusiasm for CSLP’s slogans! However, rights to use our evergreen, trademarked slogans are not included in the rights granted via our annually themed summer programs. These slogans and their designs are the exclusive property of CSLP and cannot be used by members, non-members, or other entities without our express permission.
These slogans play a vital role in supporting CSLP’s mission, as they allow us to create and sell products beyond the summer theme, ensuring the financial stability of our non-profit organization. Thank you for understanding and supporting our work to provide quality programs and resources for libraries.
11. Who should we contact for more information or questions?
For any questions or additional information, please contact the Executive Director, Dawn Krause.
Revised: 1.28.24
Approved by CSLP Board: 04.03.2024