COPYRIGHT AND INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES: THE KENYAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The paper provides a broad view of copyright; and later, explains how it affects the establishment and management of digital repositories in academic institutions. Among other things, it defines intellectual property, copyright, public domain and fair use. It is argued that knowledge of the law and in particular, copyright is crucial in the management of an institutional digital repository. Some materials may be legally sensitive which the resource manager may need to take into consideration before it is made available on open access. It is argued that a policy on institutional digital repository is necessary to guide the management of this resource.