Copyright and libraries: Balancing the interests of stakeholders in the digital age

Copyright has become an important topic and a frustrating issue for those who have a stake in scholarship and scholarly communication. Copyright laws are complex and ambiguous and these even become obsolete when technology renders the assumptions on which they were based outmoded. In such a situation, the role of libraries in providing access to copyright materials in the digital age while maintaining balance of power between copyright holders and users becomes very important. Violation of copyright laws leads to several judicial consequences. This paper provides an overview of some of the major copyright issues and the challenges posed to the protection of intellectual property especially copyright by the emergence of the digital age; besides, pointing out on the roles of libraries with regard to copyright laws. This study is based on the review of primary and secondary literature, which includes books, journals, documents, seminar papers etc. Relevant literature were also collected and consulted through internet browsing.