Content, digitisation and intellectual property rights: an institutional perspective

Abstract

Cultural institutions the world over share certain key characteristics: the care of the items in their collection, the means of enabling access to these items, and the task of sustaining their ability to do both of these things. In the past decade, digitisation and supply of digital content has become increasingly important for museums and galleries wanting to disseminate their content to a global audience. What processes are involved in doing this, and how have they impacted on organisations and their working practices? What role do intellectual property rights play in this, and what are the associated challenges and opportunities in this area? This article will present the perspective of the National Portrait Gallery, London, investigating the history of its digitisation activities and its ongoing commitment to access and responsible IPR management through Picture Library licensing and image management activities.