Moahi,
K. H. (2004). Copyright in the Digital Era and Some Implications for Indigenous
Knowledge. African Journal Of Library, Archives & Information Science,
14(1), 1-14.
Moahi, University of Botswana, Department of Library and
Information Studies, discusses copyright, fair use, and copyright and fair use
in the digital era based upon the United Nation’s World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO). A unique indigenous
knowledge (I.K.) or traditional knowledge discussion presents definitions,
South African examples, and the concept of community ownership of
knowledge. Copyright and Fair Use
information is thorough and general to the needs of the information manager,
basing most decisions in WIPO and United States courts. Moahi’s unique discussion is of indigenous
language is of interest to overseers of indigenous collections. Indigenous Knowledge is defined as “a body of
knowledge belonging to communities or ethnic groups, shaped by their culture,
traditions and way of life.” Its
characteristics: not owned by one
individual; passed orally; and it has the potential to provide economic
returns. Indigenous knowledge is
perceived as collective property and owned by communities. Many times the owner of the knowledge is a
specific custodian or a chief. Preservation
of IK is a major issue. Preservation
requires documenting it. The IK being in
fixed format is automatically copyrighted.
Historically, historians or anthropologists who documented material have
been credited owners of the culture, traditions, way of life and indigenous
knowledge. WIPO has some procedures in place, yet has not established
regulations preventing abuse and piracy.
