Protecting traditional cultural expressions: Law, Indigenous protocols, library practices
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Date
2026
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Publisher
Sage
Abstract
This study responds to contemporary international policy developments focused on protecting Indigenous creative work classified as Traditional Cultural Expressions. The study claims that states’ interests continue to guide policies in this area, compromising the relationship between regulations and the aspirations and needs of Indigenous communities. The study uses comparative methodology and content analysis to develop this argument. The study also highlights the significance of partnerships between Indigenous communities and cultural institutions that may function as alternative means to protect Indigenous creative works. The study explores cases from Indigenous communities and cultural institutions in New Zealand, the USA, and Mexico to develop this argument. The findings, while limited to the exploratory character of the study, may inform relevant library practices and support further research.
Keywords
Indigenous traditional knowledge, intellectual property legislation, libraries, museums, Mexico, New Zealand, policy development, USA
Description
IFLA Journal article
Keywords
Citation
Gosart, U., Toki, V., & Townzen, S. (2025). Protecting traditional cultural expressions: Law, Indigenous protocols, library practices. IFLA Journal, 52(1), 16–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352251342520