This week at the LOC was very enlightening. Monday a few of us met with Peter in the copyright office and he spent an hour and a half telling us all about the history and functions of the copyright office. Tuesday there was a Junior Fellow lecture given by Dr. John Cole, the director for the Center for the Book (my big, big boss) and resident expert on the history of the LOC. Fascinating! Friday we had another lecture with the new Copyright Register who answered many questions about how copyright works and is applied.
I am definitely getting a better grasp on the workings of the LOC. Also, I finally am understanding copyright, it's real purpose, and that it is not there to make life miserable for teachers and librarians. I've always found it such a pain until now. Peter gave the most insight by saying it is a balance between protecting creative freedom and allowing access. That was a big ah-ha. Best thing is he said they are really working on outreach and helping people, especially educators understand it better. They are doing video conferences, which will allow me to not have to be a copyright Nazi when I eventually get my own school library. The LOC can do that for me :)
Still doing the same old thing in the YRC, greeting and talking about books. It's fun, but I'm ready for a challenge. The books for the Roback gift collection are on their way, so I'll finally get to start that soon. This week I have two days to get everything ready to begin the collection inventory and for the princess visit in two days before everyone leaves for ALA. Should be a busy week. Yeah!
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