Copyright Protection and Distance Librarianship: provisions and constraints observed in copy right law of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The article discuses the existing copyright act and its provisions and barriers that are connected with distance librarianship. The key role of the distance librarianship is facilitating equality of access to information and resources to remote learners in this digital environment. Librarians have to take measures to fulfill different user needs in an environment where there is a balance between the rights of the creators and the needs of users. Further, article discusses about how distance librarianship is affected by copyright law. The act has neglected the distance librarianship in the area of reproduction. Service providers have to support distance learners equally while respecting the ownership. Finally, the paper presents the solutions for the copyright problems and steps that should be taken to get rid of those legal problems by the service providers.

Key words: Copyright protection; copyright history; Distance librarianship; Library services

doi: 10.4038/jula.v14i1.2690

Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka. Vol.14 (Issue 1). 2010 89-105