Copyright: MLS Workshops

The following workshops will be offered in various locations around Massachusetts in April and May 2019. Visit the MLS workshop calendar to register.

Copyright and Plagiarism Basics

No matter what type of library you work in or what role you play there, the legal and ethical use of information is an issue you are bound to encounter at some point. Examples of library services and activities where knowledge of copyright, plagiarism, and fair use may apply include:

• Interlibrary loan
• Course reserves
• Information and digital literacy training
• E-resource licensing
• Storytimes and other public programming
• Makerspaces
• Public copiers
• Your own professional research and contributions

This workshop will cover the basics for both those who are new to this topic, as well as anyone looking for a refresher or an update on the current copyright environment. Upon completion, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between incidents of plagiarism and copyright violation in order to advise patrons appropriately.
• Identify 3-5 ways copyright and plagiarism issues impact library work in order to help your library address such issues in a responsible manner.
• Describe the factors that determine fair use of information in order to help patrons understand their rights, as well as apply it to your own work.
• Select resources for further information and guidance on issues of legal and ethical use of information.

Facilitator: Kelly Jo Woodside, MLS Consultant
Please note: The facilitator is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.

Intro to Copyright and Open Access for Library Content Creators

Are you a library content creator? If you manage a website, write a blog or newsletter, design handouts or marketing materials, prepare presentations, digitize materials for your library’s collection*, the answer is yes! Since most library content creators like to share with others, this workshop will help you learn how to navigate the world of copyright and open access as an author/creator. Upon completion, you will be able to:

• Determine who holds copyright of a given work, including whether it is in the public domain, in order to practice ethical and legal content creation.
• Summarize the principles and history of open access in order to construct context for incorporating it into your library work.
• Select and apply a creative commons license in order to share your work more freely with others.
• Describe the open educational resources (OER) movement in order to evaluate how you and your library can contribute.

*Note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you think you are a library content creator, this workshop is for you!

Facilitator: Kelly Jo Woodside, MLS Consultant Please note: The facilitator is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.

If you are new to copyright issues or in need of a refresher, we strongly recommend you also register for “Copyright and Plagiarism Basics,” which will be offered from 10am-12pm on the same day.