Library Systems and Digital-Rights Management: Towards a Blockchain-Based Solution for Enhanced Privacy and Security

Laboso, Patrick ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0962-2669, Aruldoss, Martin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9175-6556, P, Thiyagarajan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6003-178X, T. Miranda, Lakshmi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2154-7094 and Wynn, Martin G ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7619-6079 (2026) Library Systems and Digital-Rights Management: Towards a Blockchain-Based Solution for Enhanced Privacy and Security. Information, 17 (2). pp. 1-29. doi:10.3390/info17020137

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Text (Published version) 15806 Laboso, P et al. (2026) Library Systems and Digital-Rights Management.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

The rapid digitization of library resources has intensified the need for robust digital-rights management (DRM) mechanisms to safeguard copyright, control access, and preserve user privacy. Conventional DRM approaches are often centralized, prone to single-point-offailure, and are limited in transparency and interoperability. To address these challenges, this article puts forward a decentralized DRM framework for library systems by leveraging blockchain technology and decentralized DRM-key mechanisms. An integrative review of the available research literature provides an analysis of current blockchain-based DRM library systems, their limitations, and associated challenges. To address these issues, a controlled experiment is set up to implement and evaluate a possible solution. In the proposed model, digital content is encrypted and stored in the Inter-Planetary File System (IPFS), while blockchain smart contracts manage the generation, distribution, and validation of DRM-keys that regulate user-access rights. This approach ensures immutability, transparency, and fine-grained access control without reliance on centralized authorities. Security is enhanced through cryptographic techniques for authentication. The model not only mitigates issues of piracy, unauthorized redistribution, and vendor lock-in, but also provides a scalable and interoperable solution for modern digital libraries. The findings demonstrate how blockchain-enabled DRM-keys can enhance trust, accountability, and efficiency through the development of secure, decentralized, and user-centric digital library systems, which will be of interest to practitioners charged with library IT technology management and to researchers in the wider field of blockchain applications in organizations.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Library management systems; Digital rights management; DRM; blockchain; Smart contracts; Security; Data privacy; Inter-Planetary File System; IPFS
Related URLs:	Publisher
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software > QA76.9 Other topics > QA76.9.B56 Blockchains
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Martin Wynn
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2026 10:43
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2026 17:45
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15806

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