In the age of electronic publishing, Lamar Soutter Library becomes a copyright resource
The complex issues surrounding copyright laws can be confusing, as technology continues to evolve and more content is shared through various online resources. New questions arise daily about what the law does and does not allow at a nonprofit educational institution.
In response, the Lamar Soutter Library (LSL) has become an increasingly important resource in helping the UMMS community manage the volume of information in the age of electronic publishing.
“Although the library can't provide legal advice, the library can point faculty in the direction of resources that may help them answer their copyright questions,” said Library Services Director Elaine Martin, DA.
In an effort to respond to the wealth of questions and information related to copyright, the library recently designated a librarian to be the go-to person on the subject. Barbara Ingrassia, MLS, offers non-legal advice to the UMMS community. On behalf of the LSL, she recently held information sessions with individual faculty groups, and presented a “lunch and learn” opportunity with staff from the Copyright Clearance Center (a nonprofit that provides expertise for simplifying licensing and protecting intellectual property rights), who explained the basics of copyright and how the law applies to faculty in their teaching, publishing and professional speaking roles.
And beginning this month, the LSL will offer a four-part seminar series about a range of topics related to copyright. In addition to the basics of copyright, the sessions will focus on the appropriate use of images in teaching and publishing; fair use and attribution vs. permission; and author rights.
For additional information or to register for an upcoming session on the basics of copyright, visit http://libraryguides.umassmed.edu/copyright, or contact Barbara Ingrassia at 508-856-1041 or Barbara.Ingrassia@umassmed.edu.
