A method and system for controlling use of digital works in accordance with usage rights associated with the digital works. The method includes the steps of receiving a request to use a digital work, and determining whether the request should be granted based on usage rights associated with the digital work. The usage rights include a manner of use for the digital work, conditions that must be satisfied in order to exercise the manner of use, and status information relating to the state of the usage. Use of the digital work is granted in accordance with the manner of use if the result of the determining step is that the request should be granted.