The compilation author typically chooses which facts to include, in what order to place
them, and how to arrange the collected data so that they may be used effectively by
readers. These choices as to selection and arrangement, so long as they are made
independently by the compiler and entail a minimal degree of creativity, are
sufficiently original that Congress may protect such compilations through the
copyright laws. Thus, even a directory that contains absolutely no protectible written
expression, only facts, meets the constitutional minimum for copyright protection if it
features an original selection or arrangement.