The role of academic libraries in South Africa in the promotion of copyright amongst users : a case study of the University of Fort Hare Library (Alice Campus)

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the role of academic libraries in South Africa in the promotion of copyrights among users at the University of Fort Hare library (Alice campus). The objectives of the study were to determine possible factors that may lead to copyright infringement in academic libraries; to determine users’ awareness of copyright infringement to ascertain which efforts are made to promote copyright at the University of Fort Hare library; and to identify the challenges faced by users in abiding by copyright requirements. The study was undertaken at the University of Fort Hare library, Alice campus. It used purposive and random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis for qualitative data and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for quantitative data. The findings of the study have shown that the University of Fort Hare library abides by the Copyright Policy Act 68 of 1978 and available literature on issues related to copyright, as made apparent by library officials who indicated that they monitor their printing and photocopying services. It is therefore recommended that the University of Fort Hare library offer information literacy programmes and subscribe to a blanket license regulated by the Dramatic Artistic and Literacy Rights Organization in order to control copyright. Further, the Information Literacy Programme offered to users is not effective enough to assist them to understand and be able to control copyright. This study recommends that the University of Fort Hare library strengthen its current information literacy programme with a view to control copyright. It also recommends that academic libraries integrate copyright into their academic writing framework, in which clear instructions about issues related to copyright will be provided.