Crafting a Framework for Copyright Literacy and Licensed Content

Abstract

Copyright literacy as one of the tenets of user instruction in the digital domain has been passive in Indian Libraries. There have been sporadic efforts on the part of libraries amidst lack of policies or fair use and scholarly communication committees at institution level to address the issues relating to copyright. The important factor is the emergence of license agreements as contracts trumping the copyright laws and digital communication involving the copyrighted content. The chapter discusses the complex terrain of copyright literacy involving cross-jurisdictional copyright laws for drafting a user instruction guideline by analysing framework to address the issues often encountered by users of the content at IIMB. This case study assumes importance as library acquires content which is heterogeneous not only in format but also the terms of use and usage rights The objective of this effort is to encourage ethical use of copyright protected and licensed content in teaching, research, and learning and also creating awareness about the rights of content creators.