Abstract:
Purpose – Copyright exceptions promote access to information by users without breaching copyright. This
research paper reviews copyright exceptions in Kenya, Ghana and Uganda and how they influence access to
information in libraries. Objectives were to find out the implications of copyright exceptions in Kenya, Ghana
and Uganda; advantages and disadvantages of copyright exceptions for libraries; and recommend best
practices of copyright exceptions.
Design/methodology/approach – This is a desktop research reviewing empirical literature and
incorporating authors’ experiential knowledge in their information profession. Authors have interrogated
copyright exceptions in their home countries’ copyright acts, policy documents and peer-reviewed articles on
copyright and information access. They analysed the documents as stated to deduce key recommendations
regarding ideal copyright exceptions.
Findings – The study established that copyright exceptions do not always improve access as intended
because they are inadequate, ignoring key library functions. Major inconsistencies exist in the exceptions in
these countries; key terminologies have not been defined; and the concept is not well understood. Librarians
lack sufficient knowledge on exceptions, hence lack self-efficacy in educating users. Kenya, Ghana and Uganda
should improve and harmonize their copyright acts to cover key library functions.
Originality/value – This study provides in-depth analysis of historical and modern practices of copyright
exceptions in the three countries revealing useful comparative insights. Previous studies looked at the issues
from individual countries perspective.
