Monday, December 30, 2013

Tweetchat about Copyright Law


Tweet us your copyright questions on Jan. 7th
 
Can you legally photocopy pages from that textbook? Can students legally remix music for school assignments? What does fair use mean, and how can it be applied in the school library or classroom? If you are a school librarian or educator who is confused by copyright law, you’re not alone. School principals, superintendents, educators and librarians have specific questions about copyright law but often find themselves without guidance on the subject.
 
On January 7, 2014, from 6:00-7:00p.m. EST, school leaders will have the opportunity to have their questions answered during an interactive tweetchat with copyright expert and bestselling author Carrie Russell. Participants can submit questions and take part in the free tweetchat by using the #k12copylaw hashtag.
 
As part of the tweetchat, Russell will offer clear guidance on the ways that principals, superintendents, teachers and librarians can legally provide materials to students. Additionally, Russell will discuss scenarios often encountered by educators in schools, such as using digital works in the classroom and students’ use of information found on the web. Russell is also the director of the American Library Association’s Program on Public Access to Information.
 
Tweetchat participants will learn about:
  • Fair use
  • Copyright law in the digital age
  • Copyright exploitation in schools (i.e., incidents when copyright industry groups exploit school staff under the guise of copyright law compliance)
 
Russell is the author of Complete Copyright for K–12 Librarians and Educators, a book that teaches educators how to fully exercise rights such as fair use while making decisions that are both lawful and best serve the learning community. To receive a 10% discount on Complete Copyright (20% for ALA members), use the coupon code CC2014 before January 15, 2014.
 
In addition to being the director of the American Library Association’s Program on Public Access to Information, Russell speaks frequently at state, regional, and national library conferences about the intricacies of copyright law.
 
The interactive social media event will be hosted jointly by AASA: The School Superintendents Association, the American Library Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
 
Participate in the free Twitter tweetchat by using #k12copylaw on January 7, 2014, from 6:00-7:00p.m. EST.
 
 

Please excuse cross-posting. This email is being forwarded on behalf of the ALA Washington Office. For more information, please contact jwright@ala.org.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Winter break activities



Schoolchildren have been released for winter break. Is your library hosting holiday programs for kids?

Here are a few examples from Wisconsin public libraries:

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Public relations award

The American Library Association is offering the John Cotton Dana Award for outstanding library public relations. Eight winners will receive $10,000 each.

The application deadline is Feb. 14. Read full details here:

https://johncottondana.nonprofitcms.org/awards

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Updated Webpage

Outreach Services Roundtable has updated its page on the WLA website. We hope the new information clarifies the group's purpose and encourages membership.

The webpage also reflects the roundtable's expansion beyond traditional outreach services such as bookmobiles and home delivery. The roundtable now encompasses accessibility, promotion, and advocacy for all types of libraries and patrons.

Let us know what you think. Better yet, join us!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Finals stress relievers



Final exams quickly are approaching at Wisconsin universities. College libraries likely will experience heavy foot traffic as students cram for tests.

Many university libraries are offering stress relievers during finals. Here are some examples we found on Facebook:
  • McIntyre Library at UW-Eau Claire will welcome therapy dogs four nights in a row.
  • College Library at UW-Madison is hosting a Retro Photo Booth, inviting students to pose in front of archival photographs.
Is your library offering stress relievers? Share ideas here.