AN ASSESSMENT ON EFFECTIVE USE OF COPYRIGHT LAW IN PROTECTING LIBRARY COLLECTION: A CASE STUDY OF MARIAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE (MARUCO) - BAGAMOYO

This study assessed the effective use of copyright law in protecting library collections at Marian University College (MARUCO) in Tanzania. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine the extent to which copyright law is implemented at the MARUCO library, to identify the problems encountered by librarians in protecting copyright, and to make recommendations for improving adherence to copyright law. A mixed research design was adopted, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches through a case study strategy. A sample of 25 respondents comprising 10 students, 5 lecturers, and 10 library staff was selected from a population of 500 using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and observation. The study was informed by the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act No. 7 of 1999 (Cap. 218) of Tanzania. Findings from existing literature reveal that inadequate copyright knowledge among library staff, limited institutional enforcement, inadequate funding, and rapid digital technology advancement are the major challenges facing academic libraries in implementing copyright law. The study recommends the development of a formal copyright policy, investment in staff and user training, institutional support, and the promotion of open access resources. This study contributes to filling the gap in institution-specific copyright research in Tanzanian academic libraries.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved