National archives and records – the legal and policy considerations for the UK
by Stephen Saxby
International Journal of Private Law (IJPL), Vol. 3, No. 1/2, 2010

Abstract: Public Sector Information (PSI) is a strategic resource without which government could not function. It feeds directly into policy formation and growing volumes of personal and cultural information are in constant demand, fulfilling a wide variety of personal and business needs. Whereas traditional conduits for the supply and publication of such material were confined to the printed page and broadcast media, digitisation has opened up substantial new means for delivering access to these resources. This 'access revolution' has itself created a new array of issues about what types of material should be captured to form the national archive and what intellectual property rights apply. One important aspect is the less discussed issue of policy for the maintenance and development of the public archive. Mass digitisation of the public record requires investment and secure maintenance if the archive is to be sustained. So what kind of regulatory structure needs to be established to facilitate this? Moreover, how far should private sector participation and expertise be utilised? On what basis should proprietary and user rights be granted where such collaborations take place? Finally, what message comes out of this as regards regulatory reform for libraries and archives?

Online publication date: Mon, 30-Nov-2009

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