Digitization of GLAM Collections: Policy Paper

Abstract

This contribution is a policy paper that aims at clarifying the copyright law principles applicable to museum professionals dealing with digital cultural heritage worldwide and at formulating policies to facilitate their digital activities. Its initial version has been published on a dedicated website and led to an international conference held in 2020 in Geneva. Although it targets museums primarily, this policy paper may also serve as guidance to stakeholders in other areas dealing with digital cultural heritage, in particular Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums (“GLAM“). Part I proposes policies directed towards national and international policymakers. Parts II and III are directed especially towards cultural institutions, with a Code of conduct that cultural institutions may follow when pursuing digitization and dissemination activities, in order to comply with the actual state of the law and minimize risks associated with these activities (Part II) and an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure to help cultural institutions and rights holders identify issues and reach satisfactory solutions in cases of disputes around digital activities (Part III).