Would copying recipes be stealing?

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So do you think it is wrong to make a list of the ingredients from a library cookbook and write directions in your own wording to use?
No, I don’t think that is wrong.

But that is not the question you asked. You asked about copying pages from the book.
 

  • As for the book on loan from the library, the ability to copy (even photocopy) one or two receipies from the book is more than likely expected by the Author and Publisher… read the copyright notice in the books, you’ll note that the library couldn’t have the book for circulation if the copyright holder didn’t agree to allow the book to be loaned.
The copyright holder has no authority over the physical book once it is publicly published and sold. This is the doctrine of “First Sale”.*

The library, or indeed any private owner, may purchase a book and lend it to others, and be protected by law and right in doing so. Flowery statements to the contrary on the copyright page are overreaching.

*Once a book is sold commercially (made its “first sale”), copying the contents of the book must be done with permission, but physically lending or reselling the book may be done without restriction. Advanced copies for reviewers are technically the property of the author/publisher and loaned under contract, which exempts such books because the first commercial sale has not taken place.
 
No, I don’t think that is wrong.

But that is not the question you asked. You asked about copying pages from the book.
honestly, thats what I assumed the OP meant by copying recipes or pages from the book. if they had meant photocopy I assumed they would have said so, but copying by hand is often just called copying, and when someone copies a recipe by hand they rarely if ever write down the exact wording as it is easier and faster to write out a shortened version in their own words.
 
I was referring to copying by hand and should have been more specific.

I actually called and spoke with 2 different librarians about it and they said that it is totally acceptable to copy a few recipes from a library cookbook for personal use. 🙂
 
I was referring to copying by hand and should have been more specific.
Ok, that makes a difference.
I actually called and spoke with 2 different librarians about it and they said that it is totally acceptable to copy a few recipes from a library cookbook for personal use. 🙂
No offense, but just because a librarian says it is OK doesn’t mean it is.

Yes, writing down a list of ingredients and steps for a recipe or two is fine. Copying the book is not fine.
 
Say a person got a library book and wanted a small percentage of the recipes from the book and copied them for personal use. Okt or theft?
Or say a person got a library book and copied a few pages for personal reference. Ok or theft?
Copying a few pages generally falls under “fair use”, and is thus ok. It does not matter if it is copied by machine or hand*.

Copying the whole book would generally not be acceptable.

*(The law does not make any distinctions regarding how a copy is made)
 
Say a person got a library book and wanted a small percentage of the recipes from the book and copied them for personal use. Okt or theft?
Or say a person got a library book and copied a few pages for personal reference. Ok or theft?
No, I’d say it’s not. if you’re worried about it, make a minor change or substitution. Then it’s your recipe.
Realistically, with all the millions of cookbooks out there, it’s not possible that each one has a unique recipe for apple pie.

This debate comes up with woodworkers. For example, if I use someone’s plan to build a table, then I sell the table, am I cheating the person who drew up the plan?

There’s never a clear answer that everyone agrees with. Which is why we have attorneys.
 
Copying a few pages generally falls under “fair use”, and is thus ok. It does not matter if it is copied by machine or hand*.

Copying the whole book would generally not be acceptable.

*(The law does not make any distinctions regarding how a copy is made)
Yes, with the distinction that if you hand copy the directions in sense instead of word-for-word, that is different than obtaining the author’s descriptions (and sometimes artwork) exactly, and of course a photocopy is always an exact copy of the author’s copyrighted work. It is more ethical IMHO to include the author’s name and the publication name whenever you make a copy–or even to include the name of some individual who only developed that one recipe for personal enjoyment–so that the attribution isn’t lost. If you hand on the recipe, hand on the attribution, so the developer of the recipe will at least realize the gain in reputation that he or she deserves for having developed the recipe.
 
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