The topic of information literacy (IL) is a significant research, theoretical and applied area in library and information sciences (LIS). This is in line with the deployment of opportunities for lifelong learning in education sector in response to the public need for citizens with multifaceted competences. The main purpose of this report is to position the meaning of copyright literacy in the broader framework of digital and information literacy.
Based on a review of scientific literature, the meaning of the term “copyright literacy” is clarified and its characteristics are presented to be used in updating the educational content and methodology of teaching in academic programs and programs of continuing education and further training. The proposed characteristics of copyright literacy are presented as an addition to the characteristics of media and information literacy (MIL) set out in the handbook prepared by experts of UNESCO, i.e. Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Teachers [1].
The need of development of copyright competence of specialists in library and information and cultural sector is addressed in the context of academic and continuing education on LIS, and it is understood as a set of knowledge and skills for development and implementation of an institutional copyright policy and for acting of users as consultants and/or trainers in copyright literacy.
The proposed summaries and conclusions are based on findings from a multinational survey on copyright literacy of specialists from libraries and other cultural institutions [2]. Current discussions and further developments can be followed on a Multinational Copyright Literacy Survey Subpage: https://copyrightliteracy.org/about-2/international-copyright-literacy/, established in 2016 as a part of the UK Copyright Literacy website.
Keywords: copyright literacy, information literacy, media literacy, library and information science and education, copyright policy;
References
[1] CoLIS: Copyright Literacy Survey of LIS (Library and Information Science) students, available at Information Literacy Association Website: <http://inlitas.org/?p=163)> (accessed 4th January 2018).
[2] Copyright for Librarians: The Esential Handbook, Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University (ed), Utrecht, eiFL, 2012, 194 p.
[3] Copyright Policy of Libraries and Cultural Institutions: Website of a project, available at: <http://copyrightlib.unibit.bg/> (accessed 7th January 2018).
[4] Developing a Library Copyright Policy – An eIFL Guide, available at: <http://www.eifl.net/resources>, (accessed 8th January 2018).
[5] European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL), <http://ecil2017.ilconf.org/> (accessed 4th January 2018).
[6] Frederiksen, L. “The Copyright Librarian: A Practical Handbook”, Amsterdam, Chandos Publishing, 2016, 148 p.
[7] Harris, L. E. “Copyright literacy and translating copyright to a life skill”, in About copyrightlaws.com, 6 April 2015, available at: <http://www.copyrightlaws.com/libraries/copyright-literacy-copyright-life-skill/>, (accessed 6th December 2017).
[8] Icepops: International Copyright-Literacy Event with Playful Opportunities for Practitioners and Scholars, available at: <https://copyrightliteracy.org/upcoming-events/icepops-international-copyright-literacy-event-with-playful-opportunities-for-practitioners-and-scholars/>, (accessed 6th January 2018).
[9] International Copyright Literacy Webpage, available at: <https://copyrightliteracy.org/about-2/international-copyright-literacy/> (accessed 6th January 2018).
[10] Morrison, C. and Secker, J. “Copyright Literacy in the UK: a survey of librarians and other cultural heritage sector professionals”, Journal of Library and Information Research, 2015, Vol. 39, Number 121, pp. 75-97. [Suppl. File Survey instrument, S5-S10.]
[11] Todorova, Tania et al. “A Multinational Study on Copyright Literacy Competencies of LIS Professionals”, in Kurbanoğlu, S. et al. (eds.) Information Literacy : Lifelong Learning and Digital Citizenship in the 21st Century : 2nd European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL): Revised Selected Papers, ECIL, Dubrovnik, 2014, CCIS, Vol. 492, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, pp. 138-148.
[12] Todorova, T. et al. Information Professionals and Copyright Literacy: A Multinational Study, Library Management Journal, Special Issue ‘Future Roles of Librarians’, August 2017, Vol. 38, № 6/7, pp. 323-344.
[13] Wilson, C. et al. “Media and Information literacy curriculum for teachers”. Paris, UNESCO, 2011, p. 192.
New Perspectives in Science Education
