This discussion of the impact of copyright laws and regulations on universal availability of publications examines the historical and conceptual foundations of copyright as it has developed in Europe, with special emphasis on the current copyright laws of the Nordic countries. A detailed analysis of the provisions of these laws is used to illustrate the restrictions on the copying of different forms of literature, specific publication types, and other original print and nonprint materials; the implications of legal deposit; the effect of modern copying techniques; the relationship of Nordic copyright laws to existing international agreements; and their cumulative effect on the universal availability of publications. A general discussion of the international state of copyright laws as they affect IFLA's support of universal availability of publications concludes the paper. (RAA)