2010-2011

News Release

REF NO.: 81

SUBJECT: DELT to sponsor workshop exploring academic authors’ rights

DATE: December 2, 2010

Technology and the Internet have altered the way we absorb information, meaning that educational resources are no longer limited to dusty 10-pound journals that sit atop 20-foot library shelves. Digital, freely accessible information means that teachers and learners everywhere can not only access world-class materials, but also lend a hand in their creation and evolution.
            But when it comes to research funding, authors’ rights and access to information, a scholarly writer’s rights can be hazy.
            Creative Commons (CC) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to facilitating the sharing and building upon the work of others, while remaining consistent with the rules of copyright. The organization provides free licenses and other legal tools to mark creative work with the freedom the creator wants it to carry, so that others can share, remix, use commercially or any combination thereof.
            Open Access (OA) publishing refers to unrestricted online access to articles published in scholarly journals, and addresses issues surrounding research funding, author’s rights, access to information and more.
            On Dec. 2, Memorial’s Distance Education and Learning Technologies (DELT) unit will sponsor Greater Reach for your Research: Open Access and the Transformation of Scholarly Communication.
             Associate University Librarian of Information Technology (Acting) Lisa Goddard said the discussion and workshop would be of particular interest to faculty, in the areas of funding, rights, and citations.
            “Even though academic research and researchers are funded largely out of taxpayer money, their output is given to commercial journal publishers who sell it back to the university at a tidy profit,” said Ms. Goddard. “If that sounds unreasonable, many funding agencies agree. Those who come to this workshop will find out more about Open Access publishing options, and be part of a global movement that is transforming the way that scholars share information.”
            If academic authors are planning on publishing soon, the workshop will address intellectual property rights, as well as how to receive maximum exposure for their work.
            “Many studies show that peer-reviewed Open Access publications are more widely read and cited than traditional subscription journals,” added Ms. Goddard. “Why publish in a gated journal that few people can access, when the whole world could see your work?”
            Greater Reach for your Research: Open Access and the Transformation of Scholarly Communication will take place on Dec. 2, at 2 p.m., in the Arts and Administration building at Memorial University (A-1046).

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