Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for Digitisation

Abstract

The development of new digital technologies has led to fundamental changes in the ways that copyright works are created, accessed and distributed.

These developments have enhanced the ability of cultural institutions to fulfill their public interest missions of access, preservation, research and education. For instance, many institutions are developing publicly-accessible websites in which users can visit online exhibitions, search collection databases, access images of collection items and - in some cases - create their own digital content. Many internal activities are also facilitated by digital technologies, including collection management, preservation activities, exhibition planning, and record keeping for incoming and outgoing loans.

The increased use of digital technologies also raises many logistical and administrative issues, including in relation to copyright. Institutions are aware that digitisation raises the possibility of copyright infringement, and are implementing measures to ensure that staff knowledge of copyright is up to date, and that systems are implemented to facilitate copyright compliance.

These guidelines are intended to assist understanding and compliance with copyright law.

Keywords: copyright, digitisation, digital, collection, art, gallery, long, library, museum, cultural, institution, technology, guideline, compliance, comply

JEL Classification: K1, K10, K11