Background Information
The phrase “illegal music downloads” refers to the ability of Internet users to find music online and save it in digital formats, often without having to pay for it. Use the following sources to learn more about music downloads and file-sharing and the political, legal, and social issues surrounding it.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowProvides topic overviews, background, current relevance and issues, and bibliography for further research.
- Oxford Music Online This link opens in a new windowGood source for historical information, although current topics are covered in brief. For information on the topic of illegal music downloads, see entries under pop, computers and music, and music publishing.
- Encyclopedia of Emerging IndustriesA wealth of information on e-commerce and other internet-related business developments. Includes information on digital media and music industries.
- Gale Encyclopedia of American LawContains good background information on existing copyright law and publishing practices in relation to music industries as well as other topics. See the entry "Entertainment Law."
- International Encyclopedia of the Social SciencesA broad look at current social and economic trends and terminology. Specifically useful are the entries on internet history and intellectual property.