In my own research for my dissertation, I visited approximately 60 libraries around the country ranging from the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA, to the Historic New Orleans Collection, to more regional, smaller libraries such as the Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society library in Honolulu and the Delaware Historical Society.  Every library had a different policy regarding the use of digital media for research purposes, particularly regarding the use of cameras and laptop computers in reading rooms.  Most libraries were friendly towards the use of these research materials, but many libraries and/or librarians viewed them with ire and scorn.  In almost every instance, those that allowed the use of such materials limited the number of images to be photographed and/or required a signed form specifying that none of these images could be circulated.  Although I was grateful for their permission, I have tens of thousands of images and other similar materials that I can neither use for my own publications nor share among my colleagues and other interested parties.

My proposal session consists of two parts: 1) sharing my own experiences and thoughts about digital research, and 2)  hearing feedback from others who have done similar research.  Finally, we would discuss if or how libraries are dealing with this issue and what is being done (if anything) to bring about a more uniform treatment of digital research.

This workshop examines the basic contours of copyright law as it applies in scholarly communication. What is intellectual property, what is the public domain, and how does fair use apply? What should be in a request when permission is needed, and what is worth negotiating for? Finally, what rights do scholars have as creators of intellectual property and how can those rights be exercised?

I am not a musician, but I, like others, love the sound of music, or just hearing sound period when learning (and teaching). I especially love avoiding copyright infringement hassles if I am creating a video bearing information  I want students to remember.

I have discovered  that it is easy to make my own  music even though I cannot read music. Using a kalimba, an African instrument, and some bongos, both purchased at thrift stores, I’d welcome showing others how they can also make fun sounds and moreover, record them as a music file on  their iphone for later use on many fronts including teaching videos.

The end product can be a sort of “flip” approach to classroom instruction (i.e. the student can get basic information in the video, which is posted on a blog or via Blackboard, before entering the classroom. This allows more in-class time for other things including reviewing already shared information). The sound underneath the video, hopefully, makes the learning process more interesting. Sometimes the quirkier, the better.

I have two short videos demonstrating how this could work. One  I actually used with a class;  the other I shared outside of class with people who seemed to mostly dig it. I am still learning how to do this, but will share what I have done so far.