Abstract:
Copyright law is important because it boosts creativity and accelerates economic growth. Despite
this, it is not clear whether information users are aware of the law. It is argued that in Kenya, the
copyright law is not as effective as expected since no proper mechanisms have been put in place
to curb infringement of copyright. The use of technology protective such as turntin software
ensures that students do not plagiarize other people work. In view of this, the study sought to
investigate the extent of copyright awareness among undergraduate student at Nazarene
University with a view of recommendations to improve their awareness. The specific objectives
of the study were to: establish the level of knowledge students have on issues of copyright;
ascertain ways in which copyright is infringed by students; establish the factors that prompt
students to infringe copyright; establish the perception of students towards copyright; identify the
challenges students faced in understanding issues relating to copyright; recommend ways and
means of improving copyright awareness among student library users. The study used
quantitative research method. Data was collected using the questionnaire and analyzed using
Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). It was found that the respondents' level of
awareness of copyright was quite impressive; majority of respondents obtained information on
copyright from sources other than at the university; students infringed copyright through
plagiarism, photocopy and piracy. Majority of the respondents felt that copyright law was very
necessary. It is recommended that the copyright programmes carried out at Nazarene University
should continue; a unit on copyright should be introduced in the common courses taught at the
university; and more information materials should be purchased and made available to provide
users an equal opportunity to utilize them
