Author Information
Author: Beatrice A. Fabunmi
Institution: Cataloguing Section, Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Paper Details
Title: The Roles of Librarians in Copyright Protection in Nigeria
Author: Beatrice A. Fabunmi
Journal: International Journal of African & African American Studies
Volume: VI
Issue: No. 1
Year: 2007
Subject Area: Copyright Law, Intellectual Property Law, Library and Information Science, Access to Information
Overview
This paper examines copyright protection in Nigeria with particular attention to the role of libraries and librarians. It considers the position of librarians as custodians of copyrighted materials and their responsibility to promote access to information while protecting the rights of authors and other creators.
The paper discusses copyright principles, infringement, copyright laws and enforcement before examining how librarians can help prevent copyright violations within libraries. It emphasizes the need for librarians to understand copyright rules, educate library users, provide guidance on lawful copying, and discourage practices such as unauthorized reproduction and photocopying.
A central theme of the paper is the need to balance users’ access to information for research, education and scholarship with the economic and moral rights of creators.
Main Areas Discussed
- Copyright protection in Nigeria
- International copyright principles and the Berne Convention
- Copyright infringement and unauthorized reproduction
- Copyright laws and enforcement
- Rights of authors and creators
- Libraries as custodians of copyrighted works
- Copyright exceptions and limitations
- Copying and photocopying of library materials
- Copyright education for librarians
- Copyright awareness among library users
- Librarians’ responsibilities in preventing copyright infringement
- Access to copyrighted and public-domain materials
- Use of copyrighted materials for research and education
- Balancing users’ rights with creators’ rights
- Measures for reducing copyright infringement in Nigerian libraries
Key Themes
- Copyright
- Intellectual Property
- Copyright Infringement
- Copyright Enforcement
- Libraries
- Librarians
- Access to Information
- Authors’ Rights
- Users’ Rights
- Research and Education
- Photocopying
- Copyright Awareness
- Copyright Education
- Nigeria
About the Article
The paper highlights the important position occupied by libraries in the copyright system. Libraries provide students, researchers and the public with access to both copyrighted and public-domain materials while also helping preserve intellectual works and support the creation of new knowledge.
Because copyright infringement can occur through activities such as unauthorized copying and reproduction of library materials, the author argues that librarians have an important role in promoting compliance with copyright law. This includes educating users, providing guidance on the appropriate use of copyrighted materials, displaying copyright warnings, and ensuring that library practices respect applicable copyright restrictions.
The paper also emphasizes that copyright protection should not be viewed solely from the perspective of copyright owners. Librarians must help maintain a balance between protecting creators’ rights and ensuring that users can access information for legitimate research, teaching and educational purposes.
The author concludes that librarians in Nigeria should have adequate copyright education and should actively discourage copyright infringement among library users while protecting lawful access to information.
Suggested Citation
Fabunmi, Beatrice A., “The Roles of Librarians in Copyright Protection in Nigeria,” International Journal of African & African American Studies, Vol. VI, No. 1 (January 2007).