Social Media, Social Networking, Copyright, and Digital Libraries

Abstract

Libraries have evolved over time in tandem with the prevailing innovations. This is evidenced by the changes witnessed from the time writing was done on clay tablets to the virtual libraries of today. Technological advancement has been a key pillar of the development of libraries. Indeed, it has given rise to digital libraries that have given access and use of information resources a new focus. Technological developments such as Web 2.0, and specifically social media as well as social networking, have enabled users to access creative works in digital libraries freely. Similarly, they have enabled library users to share the same content freely on social networks. This situation has brought a conflict with copyright laws that require users of creative works to seek permission from their owners before accessing or sharing them. This chapter analyses this conflict and provides recommendations on how it can be managed.