Penn State University Libraries Launches Virtual Workshops on Scholarly Communications and Copyright
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Starting May 28, the Penn State University Libraries will initiate a series of virtual workshops aimed at enhancing understanding of scholarly communications and copyright issues. These workshops will cater to students, faculty, staff, and the general public, providing essential insights into topics that are increasingly relevant in today’s academic and research environments.
A Comprehensive Workshop Series
The workshops offered will cover a range of critical subjects including U.S. copyright law, predatory publishing, copyright implications of generative AI tools, and federal funder public access policies. This initiative reflects a growing need for educational resources that address the complexities surrounding academic publishing and intellectual property rights.
Flexible Online Format
Participants will find the workshops easily accessible as they will be conducted via Zoom. While registration for these sessions is free, it is mandatory. Interested individuals can sign up through the links provided with each workshop or by reaching out to [email protected] for further assistance.
Explore Federal Public Access Policies
One of the standout workshops, titled "Federal Public Access Policies," will feature a panel of experts from the University Libraries. This session will delve into the intricacies of public access to scholarly publications, alongside crucial data management and sharing practices. The focus will primarily be on the policies set forth by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, although inquiries related to any federal agency are welcomed.
Understanding Predatory Publishing
The workshop "Predatory Publishing: Avoiding Academic Scams" tackles a pressing concern in the academic community. With scams increasingly masquerading as legitimate scholarly publishers or conferences, researchers often find themselves vulnerable. This session, led by Ana Enriquez from the Office of Scholarly Communications and Copyright, will equip attendees with the tools needed to identify and avoid these deceptive practices, as well as offer guidance on what to do if they or their colleagues fall victim to such scams.
Demystifying Copyright Law
For those unfamiliar with the legal landscape surrounding intellectual property, the "Copyright in One Hour" workshop is an excellent starting point. This session is tailored for beginners and provides a succinct overview of U.S. copyright law, focusing on its implications for university research and teaching. Participants will learn about what copyright covers, how works can enter the public domain, and the concept of fair use, which allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission.
Generative AI and Its Legal Implications
As technology evolves, new challenges arise. The workshop "Generative AI and Copyright" aims to address copyright issues relevant to generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Stable Diffusion. Given the rapidly changing legal landscape in this area, attendees will explore recent developments and significant precedents. Key questions to be examined include whether works created using generative AI tools can be copyrighted and the fairness of training models on copyrighted material.
Exploring Fair Use in Academia
In the "Fair Use" workshop, participants will learn when copyright law permits the use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission. This introductory session will provide examples of fair use scenarios in academic contexts, allowing attendees to apply their knowledge to hypothetical situations related to research and teaching.
Interactive Learning Experience
Each of these workshops promises an engaging and interactive learning experience. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and apply what they learn to real-world scenarios, making the workshops not just informative but also practical.
Why These Workshops Matter
As the academic landscape continues to evolve, understanding copyright and scholarly communications becomes paramount. These workshops offer invaluable resources for navigating the complexities of academic publishing, ensuring that participants are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities.
Who Should Attend?
These workshops are ideal for a diverse audience, including students seeking to better understand their rights concerning academic work, faculty aiming to navigate the complexities of publishing, and anyone in the public sphere interested in scholarly communications.
Registration Details
To participate in these enriching workshops, individuals must register in advance. Information on registration can be found on the workshops page of the Penn State University Libraries website. For any questions or to request accommodations, attendees are encouraged to contact [email protected].
Enhancing Scholarly Communications
The Penn State University Libraries’ initiative to host these workshops signals a commitment to enhancing scholarly communications within the academic community. By equipping participants with knowledge about copyright and publishing practices, the university is fostering a more informed and responsible research environment.
The Need for Public Awareness
As copyright laws and academic publishing practices continue to evolve, public awareness is crucial. These workshops will provide essential insights that empower participants to navigate these changes confidently.
An Opportunity for Collaboration
The workshops also present an excellent opportunity for collaboration among students, faculty, and researchers. By sharing experiences and knowledge, participants can contribute to a more robust academic community.
Looking Ahead
As the demand for information on copyright and scholarly communications grows, initiatives like these workshops become increasingly vital. They help to demystify complex topics, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Empowerment
In conclusion, the upcoming workshops by Penn State University Libraries represent a significant step towards empowering the academic community with the knowledge necessary to navigate the intricate world of scholarly communications and copyright law. By participating, individuals can enhance their understanding and protect their intellectual contributions in an ever-evolving academic landscape.
