The UK should adopt a single set of rules to govern the use of copyrighted intellectual property both on and off the web, according to the British Library.

Researchers should have the same freedom to access online data and materials that already exists with traditional media like books and records, the organisation says.

Under the established terms of "fair dealing", it is permissible to copy protected content for non-commercial purposes.

The current lack of legal clarity may stifle innovation by discouraging or cutting off access to protected material. The British Library is backing a proposal made by Lord Gowers to simplify matters.

Ben White, copyright compliance manager at the British Library, said: " Copyright law in this area is vague at the moment, and we are concerned that rights-holders may question the applicability of exceptions to the digital environment. We agree with recommendation nine in the Gowers report that said the rules for copying for private research should be equal across all forms of content."

Today, the UK Intellectual Property Office closed a consultation on its proposed changes to copyright law, which in turn followed a year-long investigation by Lord Gowers.

The British Library announced its position alongside the results from a survey of 320 researchers, who were questioned last month. Of those surveyed, 93 per cent said that digital media should be treated in the same way as data published through more traditional means.

A further 87 per cent said that "fair dealing" laws should permit the reproduction of copyrighted material for non-commercial research, while 68 per cent opposed the use of separate legislation for online content.