The DigiVault platform is a positive example of how we can preserve and enjoy cultural heritage. The copyright reform will see more access to content – Therese Comodini Cachia

“We are currently discussing a proposal on how archived material in any cultural heritage institution can be digitised and preserved without any copyright infringements to preserve documents, literature, photographs, maps and other content, also to ensure wider access.” MEP Therese Comodini Cachia said this during a visit at the National Library in Valletta as part of a series of visits with stakeholders in relation to the EU copyright reform consultation she is undergoing as European Parliament rapporteur.

During the visit at the National Library, Comodini Cachia met National Librarian and CEO Cheryl Falzon, Director Library Operations Joanne Sciberras, Director of the National Bibliographic Office Oliver Mamo and archivist Maroma Camilleri. She had the opportunity to see the documents currently in the Reading Hall relating to ‘Valletta 1566’ which will be exhibited during the Maltese Presidency of the European Union Council.
 
Therese Comodini Cachia stated that the copyright reform will bring about more access to digital content and subsequently more Maltese publications. She remarked that “simultaneously to a wider access we have to make sure that Maltese publishers get a fair remuneration for the use of digital textbooks to invest in more publications.”
 
The need of an organisation or authority responsible for copyright clearance was discussed. It was explained that the National Library is bound to have both printed and digital copies of publications and the need of guidelines related to copyright clearance. Reference was made to the different format availabilities and the difficulties in making more books accessible due to handling deterioration. Comodini Cachia explained that the use of ebooks and audiobooks are currenlty being discussed in the stakeholders’ meetings process.  
 
Therese Comodini Cachia praised the initiative by the National Library known as DigiVault whereby documents and manuscripts have been digitised. Recently, Therese Comodini Cachia has launched a new webpage; comodinicachia.eu/feedback to gather feedback on the EU copyright reform.