The Bookshelf: digitisation and access to copyright items in Norway

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the challenges faced in digitising copyright‐protected books and other materials within the National Library of Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a description of Bokhylla, or The Bookshelf, the paper outlines the strategies adopted within the National Library of Norway for digitising a range of materials, including books.

Findings

The National Library of Norway has negotiated a contract with Kopinor, an organisation that represents rights‐holders from about 30 different organisations, and this will enable users to access some 50,000 copyright‐protected books within the next three years.

Originality/value

Copyright presents challenges in any digitisation project. Norway has adopted a unique solution for enabling its citizens to gain digital access to materials deposited within the National Library.

Citation

Moe Skarstein, V. (2010), "The Bookshelf: digitisation and access to copyright items in Norway", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 44 No. 1, pp. 48-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330331011019681