Risk assessment and copyright in digital libraries

Abstract

Purpose

To offer clear insights into methods for assessing the risk of mounting digital objects in a networked electronic library environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief, selective summary of work to date on relevant present day digital library investigations into this area.

Findings

It is possible to estimate the degree of risk involved in offering digital library services, in such a way as to manage this risk in a practical and responsible manner.

Research limitations/implications

Further experience of digital rights issues will better inform discussion of these matters as digital library services grow and mature in the near future; immediate examples of digital library practice in this regard are minimal and remain uncertain in their interpretation as yet.

Practical implications

The principles outlined may offer practitioners some useful insights into how to manage copyright aspects of their digital library collections on a day to day practical level.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to offer some clear principles to help practitioners grasp an area that has appeared new and intimidatingly uncertain to date.

Citation

Joint, N. (2006), "Risk assessment and copyright in digital libraries", Library Review, Vol. 55 No. 9, pp. 545-548. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530610706743