BUILDING A NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE:THE ROLE OF LEGAL DEPOSIT LAW IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper discusses the concept and evolvement of legal deposit law over the years and the legislative aspect of the legal deposit law in Nigeria and other countries. It examines in tabular form specific legal deposit Acts and Decrees operational in some developed and developing countries including Nigeria, showing their similarities and differences. It highlights the importance of legal deposit as an approved exercise that guarantees the documentary cultural heritage of a nation is collected, preserved and made accessible for future generations. Legal deposit is considered very important and essential in bibliographic control nationally and internationally securing national cultural heritage and its transfer to future generations. The paper suggested the need to amend and comprehensively review the legal deposit law of Nigeria to accommodate digital and electronic publications in this era of high technology.