A Comparative Study of Digital Rights Management Regimes and Their Implications for Library Resource Accessibility in Nigeria and South Africa

This study conducted a comparative legal-informatics analysis of digital rights management regimes in Nigeria and South Africa and examined their implications for the accessibility of digital library resources. Digital rights management technologies and their governing legal frameworks have significant consequences for libraries seeking to provide equitable access to electronic content for educational and research purposes. A comparative case study design was employed, drawing on legal documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews with copyright lawyers, library directors, and digital rights advocates in both countries, and analysis of national copyright reform proposals. The study found that both countries face significant tension between copyright law, digital rights management obligations under international intellectual property treaties, and the public interest exceptions historically provided for libraries. Nigeria's copyright law was found to be less library-friendly than South Africa's, particularly in the absence of explicit digital library exceptions. The study developed a policy reform framework for strengthening library digital access rights in both jurisdictions and contributes to comparative information law and library policy scholarship. Keywords: digital rights management, copyright, library access, Nigeria, South Africa.