Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the challenges faced in digitising copyright-protected books and other materials within the National Library of Norway. Design/methodology/approach: Following a description of Bokhylla, or The Bookshelf, the paper outlines the strategies adopted within the National Library of Norway for digitising a range of materials, including books. Findings: The National Library of Norway has negotiated a contract with Kopinor, an organisation that represents rights-holders from about 30 different organisations, and this will enable users to access some 50,000 copyright-protected books within the next three years. Originality/value: Copyright presents challenges in any digitisation project. Norway has adopted a unique solution for enabling its citizens to gain digital access to materials deposited within the National Library. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.)