Myopia in the Copyright Management of Museum Collections

Abstract

Copyrights to collections are seldom considered essential intangible resources of museums (allowing the implementation of the institution's mission), which - not only can - but should be managed. Based on the research, a myopic approach to copyrights management to collections prevails in public museum institutions. This is evidenced by thinking about rights in the short term, i.e. a specific, currently implemented work; lack of interest in the changes taking place in the environment, which in particular relate to the digitization of cultural items; or finally, taking routine action or not taking action at all due to fear of copyright infringement. The purpose of this study is to present the results of the research as well as to indicate the currently proposed solutions to mitigate the effects of a myopic approach to the management of copyrights to collections.