1. An introduction to the historical development of copyright law and copyright exceptions; 2. The shaping of modern copyright law and its application to higher education institutions; 3. Higher education institutions: development and effect on copyright law; 4. An "invitation" to copy? case studies from Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada; 5. Copyright collecting societies: an economic insigh and their significance in the digital age; 6. Show me the money: a case study into the copyright licensing agency; 7. Solutions for the digital era: the academic author and publisher in the digital era; 8. Conclusion: recommendations for academic authors and collecting societies - a proposal for the future.