PSG Legal Deposit Agreement: An Overview
Legal Deposit is a process by which national libraries, or libraries mandated by the government, collect and preserve published materials within their jurisdictions. The practice has been in place for centuries, with the earliest known record dating back to 1610 when the Royal Library of France was granted the right to receive a copy of every book printed in the country.
In South Africa, the Legal Deposit Act of 1997 mandates publishers and printers to deposit copies of their printed and electronic publications with the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). The aim is to preserve the country`s intellectual and cultural heritage, as well as ensure access to information for future generations.
The PSG Legal Deposit Agreement is an agreement between the Publishers` Association of South Africa (PASA) and the NLSA that seeks to facilitate the Legal Deposit process. PSG, or the Publisher Services Group, is a company that provides services to publishers and affiliated organizations.
The agreement states that PSG will assist PASA members in complying with the Legal Deposit Act by providing a range of services. These services include:
1. Collecting and delivering Legal Deposit copies to the NLSA on behalf of PASA members.
2. Advising PASA members on their legal obligations to deposit materials with the NLSA.
3. Providing training to PASA members on Legal Deposit requirements and procedures.
4. Reporting to PASA members on their compliance with the Legal Deposit Act.
5. Liaising with the NLSA on behalf of PASA members regarding Legal Deposit matters.
The PSG Legal Deposit Agreement benefits both publishers and the NLSA. For publishers, it provides a convenient and cost-effective way to comply with the Legal Deposit Act. PSG`s expertise in the field also ensures that publishers are aware of their obligations and can meet their legal requirements.
For the NLSA, the agreement ensures the timely and comprehensive collection of materials, which helps to preserve the country`s cultural and intellectual heritage.
In conclusion, the PSG Legal Deposit Agreement is an important agreement that facilitates the Legal Deposit process in South Africa. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural and intellectual heritage, and the role that publishers and libraries play in this endeavor.