Update on Hachette vs. Internet Archive

David Hansen and Kyle Courtney have written a rapid reaction post to the publishers’ reply brief in Hachette v. Internet Archive. Their post identifies a few critical issues that the publishers focus on in their brief, including some questionable fairuse analysis. Much of the brief is framed in heated rhetoric that may cause alarm, but much like publishers’ announcements about interlibrary loan, e-reserves, or document delivery in the past. They argue instead that controlled digital lending is here to stay, regardless of the lower court’s poor copyright analysis and current publisher’s brief. Have a read!

https://kylecourtney.com/publishers-reply-brief-in-hachette-v-internet-archive-first-impressions/

OCL tshirts and sweatshirts for sale

The OCL sweatshirt/tshirt site is live again with some additional choices:

https://sweatshirts-202308.square.site/

These items are for sale. Not free. The link can be given to anyone who loves this design- students, staff, alumni, retirees, your neighbor.
There is NO shipping available.
Pickup in Mudd sometime before the end of April.

The OCL Student Employees are going to be getting a link to fill in tshirt sizes for a free tshirt compliments of the Libraries. Not the same thing as this site.
Please let me know if you have any questions.

TIAA changes–Info Sessions

Retirement Plans – TIAA

Announcing updates to the Oberlin College retirement plans beginning in April 2024

Oberlin College continues to review the institution’s TIAA retirement plans to identify new ways to assist our Faculty and Staff to plan for their retirement.

Beginning in April 2024, there will be some important updates to the existing TIAA retirement plans. These updates include two new enhancements that will help in retirement planning. Additionally, Oberlin will begin offering another way to save for retirement through a new after-tax Roth option.

There are on-campus info sessions next week (March 19 and 20 from 12-1 in Room 101 Wilder)

If you have any questions, please consult with TIAA at (800) 842-2252 or contact Janet Leonard, HR Senior Plan Administrator at jleonard@oberlin.edu.

New Series: Blasts from the Past Found in CRS Clean Up

Found while cleaning up in CRS in advance of new carpet. 

Transcriptions:

From William Abbatt, Publisher, New York        July 10, 1904

Dear Mr. Root,

Aren’t our books American enough for Oberlin?  […]

**************

My dear Mr. Abbatt:

Your books are American enough for Oberlin, but your price is altogether too aristocratic, and this is the reason why we do not purchase.

Sincerely yours,

Azariah Root

Barb Prior to Retire

I write to let you know that our esteemed colleague Barbara Prior, Art Librarian and Head of the Clarence Ward Art Library since 1998, will be retiring on 31 May 2024.  Oberlin’s Art Library supports the Allen Memorial Art Museum, the departments of Art History and Studio Art, and the general curriculum at Oberlin College and Conservatory.  Under Barb’s leadership, the collections have grown and teaching with collections has become central to the work of the library.

Barb wears many hats. She is a collections development specialist, building collections to meet research and teaching needs, she curates the special collections of the Ward Library, produces exhibitions and library guides on a wide range of subjects, works with benefactors, and engages the campus and community with  public outreach initiatives

Thank you, Barb for all the support you have given to faculty, students, curators, and the community!  You will be missed.

 Call for applicants! For the 2024 ALAO Diversity Scholarship

Please share the following announcement with any library school students you’re working with.
Apply for the Academic Library of Ohio Association MLS/MLIS diversity scholarship opportunity.
ALAO would like to help develop talented folks who are underrepresented in our profession with a $1500 tuition scholarship. Apply from Jan 1st to March 31st, 2024 for consideration. The award winner will be notified by April 12, 2024, and will be presented with a certificate at the ALAO Annual Conference Oct. 2024 (registration included with scholarship award).

Sad News: Paula Baymiller has passed away

I learned from Tina Zwegat that former library staff member Paula Baymiller died this morning, following a lengthy illness.  Her husband Chris Baymiller was with her, as was Kathy Abromeit.  Kathy was a good friend and faithful companion to Paula through her illness.  Tina said that Chris and Kathy shared stories with Paula, easing her passing.  There is a lovely photo of Paula on page 11 of Library Perspectives, Spring 2011, along with a nice summary of the many positions Paula held at the College.  Paula was most recently Special Collections and Preservation Assistant; prior to that she served 18 years as the Art Library Assistant.  Paula’s ready smile and kind manner made any gathering of library staff that much brighter.