Copyright Question

You're permitted to make your own backup copy of all digital media. So scanning in a book is in the nature of a backup. Not sure if that's covered under law, but unless you try to sell the digital version or distribute it to people other than yourself, I think you're okay on legal grounds. Pretty sure the FBI isn't going to make an issue out of this.

On moral grounds, you did your diligence. And it's not like the author or publisher would get any money if you bought a used one anyway. I think you're fine.

Bartholomew said:

I have a book that's falling apart. It's out of print, and I can't find a used copy. I'm 90% sure this is still copyrighted.

If I scan it and save it to my computer, am I violating the author's estate's rights? I'm not distributing it - I'm just making a readable version that won't fall apart.

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If you do not distribute it or charge for access for it or use it as the basis of a derivative work, you are probably within the safe harbor uses.

IANAL though so if you get sued you're on your own.