Document Type : Original Article
Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Information Management and Knowledge Organization, National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers to obtaining copyright and reproduction and representation licenses from publishers for the digitization of book resources in Iranian digital libraries, , and to propose solutions for overcoming these barriers.
Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative approach using document analysis. Data collection and analysis were conducted based on the thematic analysis framework proposed by Attride-Stirling and further developed by Clarke and Braun. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 experts in the fields of publishing and digital libraries. In addition, relevant national and international studies were reviewed to extract barriers and solutions related to the licensing process.
Findlings: A total of 272 basic themes, 57 organizing themes, and 2 global themes were identified, encompassing executive, financial, and technical dimensions. The reliability of the findings was assessed using the Holsti method. The thematic network related to the right of reproduction and representation of book resources in Iranian digital libraries highlights a range of executive, financial, and technical barriers, along with corresponding solutions.
With respect to executive and financial barriers and solutions, key issues included policy and guideline formulation, trust-building by libraries, the role of resource-aggregating companies, identification of the responsible policymaking authority, provision of supportive facilities, and enhanced interaction between publishers and libraries. Technical barriers and solutions focused on infrastructure readiness, cybersecurity for digital representation of books, metadata standards, digitization workflows, digital lending models, and challenges associated with the digitization process.
Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the identified barriers, several solutions are proposed, including ensuring continuous and transparent payments to publishers and rights holders by libraries; providing fair financial compensation to creators; limiting access to small excerpts of books to comply with copyright regulations; implementing legal metadata to clearly document copyright status; and applying appropriate copyright notices. The implementation of these measures can enhance trust between publishers and libraries, enrich digital collections, protect digital resources, and facilitate user access to digital content.
Value: Obtaining permission from publishers for the digitization of books represents one of the fundamental challenges faced by digital libraries in Iran. Despite its importance, this issue has received limited scholarly attention. By systematically identifying barriers and proposing practical solutions, this study fills an important research gap and provides a useful framework for policymakers, libraries, and publishers involved in the digitization of book resources.
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