[EN] Legal deposit: what is it?

Legal deposit, a fundamental concept in the publishing world, plays a crucial role in preserving cultural memory and regulating the book market. Its history, peppered with changes, reflects the importance attached to the preservation of intellectual heritage and the traceability of works over time.

Origins of Legal Deposit

Legal deposit dates back to antiquity, but its modern institutionalisation has its roots in the middle Ages. In France, as early as 1537, François I required printers to deposit a copy of each work with the Sorbonne. In 1539, the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts added the obligation to deposit a copy with the nascent Bibliothèque nationale. These measures were initially intended to control the spread of ideas, but over the centuries they evolved to take on a more cultural and heritage dimension.

Developments over the centuries

• Advances in the 18th century :

In the Age of Enlightenment, legal deposit became an instrument for knowledge and the dissemination of knowledge. The French Revolution consolidated this idea by making legal deposit a national obligation. National libraries, such as the British Library in London, followed this trend and contributed to the preservation of a common heritage.

• Legal Deposit and the Industrial Revolution:

With the advent of industrial printing, legal deposit adapted to new realities. The United States introduced the Copyright Act in 1790, a form of legal deposit that protected copyright. At the same time, France strengthened its system in 1810 by imposing legal deposit throughout the Empire.

Importance of Legal Deposit in the Book Chain

• Preservation of cultural heritage:

Legal deposit ensures the preservation of a tangible trace of a society’s intellectual production. By archiving works, it enables future generations to understand the evolution of ideas, culture and society.

• Regulating the book market:

By obliging publishers and authors to deposit their works, legal deposit promotes the transparency and traceability of the book market. This makes it easier to manage copyright, remunerate creators and combat counterfeiting.

• Support for research and education:

National libraries and educational institutions take advantage of legal deposit to build up rich and varied holdings. This supports academic research, encourages education and facilitates access to culture.

• Legal Deposit and Digitisation:

With the advent of digital technology, legal deposit is once again adapting. Legislation is evolving to include online publications, e-books and other forms of digital media. This underlines the continuing importance of legal deposit in an era of rapid technological change.

Conclusion:

Legal deposit, rooted in history, remains an essential pillar of the book chain. By preserving cultural heritage, regulating the market and supporting research, it embodies the desire to preserve intellectual diversity and promote access to knowledge. In the age of digitisation, legal deposit continues to evolve in response to contemporary challenges, while retaining its fundamental role in preserving our cultural heritage.

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How is legal deposit handled in your country?