Digitization and Copyright: How Academic Libraries Handle Permission Seeking for Copyrighted Material

Many libraries, particularly large academic libraries, have begun major digitization projects in order to make library material much more widely available. However, many works that might otherwise be candidates for digitization are protected by copyright. While this does not completely bar a work from being digitized, it becomes a much more complicated process if permission is required. This research studies how academic library digitization projects have addressed copyrighted materials. Librarians and publishers were interviewed to understand their perspective on copyright and to determine the best practices for locating and contacting copyright holders. Overall, there is no one best technique for finding copyright holders, but there are ways that librarians can expedite the process, such as by developing a good workflow at the outset and consulting with administration. Overall, institutions have been successful in incorporating copyright items into a digitization project, although a heavy time investment is involved.Master of Science in Library Scienc