World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognise the scope of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. 

April 23 is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died.

As JCU librarians, we love books and copyright. We have also been so busy creating Open eBooks that we almost forgot about world book day! This year is extra special for JCU Library because:

• We celebrate the launch of the Creative Commons for JCU Staff eBook, which is designed for in-house professional development for James Cook University staff. 
• We released the JCU Open eBook Shakespeare's Major Plays on the 29 February 2024, for first and second year university students, and upper secondary school students in Australia.
• JCU library staff are actively working on the JCU Textbook Affordability Project to advocate for low or no cost textbooks for core first year subjects.

To find out more about Open Education and eBooks see our JCU Open Education Program website.