Not only copyright: information law and digital libraries

Abstract

What do libraries and archives do in the digital environment? What is their role, which needs are they expected to meet? Focusing on the Italian and European legislation, this contribution considers their current prerogatives and limitations, the perimeter within which they are able, or are expected to act in the following fields: access and reuse of public sector information; protection, use and enhancement of scientific and cultural heritage; copyright; protection of personal data. Then, referring to the AIB Manifesto and the IFLA/UNESCO Manifesto on digital libraries, which define them as necessary component of libraries and as necessary entities for the protection of fundamental rights, the author argues that a broader juridical statute of these institutions can be identified at international level, which – even if it is not supported by effective protection – cannot be overridden by national and regional legislations, provided that libraries (and librarians) themselves are capable to recognize and defend it.