It's Academic

We often hear the term “lifelong learning” when talking about the use of library resources, but at Seton Hill University, we actively promote the use of other libraries. We have reciprocity with three local colleges and also have a LibGuide for Pennsylvania Library Resources.

This is the introduction to the guide:

Reeves Memorial Library provides thousands of resources for you.   So you may wonder why we would promote the use of public libraries.  There are several reasons for this:

1.  Although we have an extensive collection, you will sometimes find additional items in publicly available libraries.
   2.  Public libraries in Pennsylvania offer access to additional databases and other online resources that are not available at Reeves. 
   3.  When students leave Seton Hill, we want them to know what resources are available for the public so that they will be lifelong learners.

We then have pages in the Guide for Westmoreland Library Network (our county system), Overdrive, Power Library, Penn State Libraries, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, State Library of Pennsylvania, and Other Libraries. The Other Libraries page has links to libraries in the surrounding counties, where commuter students may reside, as well as the Free Library of Philadelphia.

This has been especially helpful for older adult students who may come to campus only once a week.   Many are returning to school after many years in the workforce and are delighted to find access to hard copy materials closer to where they live and online resources that supplement what they find on our website.  In addition, as the number of online programs grows, our students may reside anywhere in the world, so we will be expanding our guides to help them find what they need wherever they are.

Fair Use is a special blessing for education, art, commentary, review, parody, etc.  Recent NYT review for the Dr. Seuss inspired “Who’s Holiday!” work following the life of Cindy Lou Who, who then was not much older than two.  She growed up (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/04/theater/review-whos-holiday-dr-seuss.html).

Matthew Lombardo was sued, by the Grinch, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, for stealing and with good reason as derivative works are very well protected, particularly for works of fiction (ask JK Rowling!).  But the courts did see a fair use exception and Matthew Lombardo won the case and for a fairly new reason – the work was considered transformative!  Interesting reading on other issues of copyright related to this case and apparent inconsistencies in determining whether fair use should/should not apply – https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/15/books/dr-seuss-grinch-law-suit.html

New Guide available – Fair Use for NonFiction Authors

The guide addresses three common situations faced by nonfiction authors in which fair use may apply:

1) criticizing, discussing, or commenting on copyrighted material;

2) using copyrighted material to support a point made in the author’s work; and

3) using copyrighted material for non-consumptive research.  It also addresses the most frequently asked questions about fair use and clears up some common misconceptions about when it might apply.

CRD Board is looking for two people to fill open member-at-large positions for the 2018 year. In order to view the job description for this role, please visit the following website and click to view the board member descriptions: https://crdpala.org/crd-board/

The Board meets monthly via the online meeting platform Zoom. There is one annual CRD workshop that board members are strongly encouraged to attend. The CRD also sponsors programs and a luncheon at the PaLA annual conference each year; again, board members are strongly encouraged to attend.

If you would like to be considered for a member-at-large position, please submit a letter of interest along with your resume or CV to lchristianson@maryu.marywood.edu. You may also email Leslie with any questions about the position.