Eastern Kentucky University Library Resources: A Comprehensive Guide
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) boasts a comprehensive library system, with the John Grant Crabbe Main Library as its centerpiece. Centrally located on University Drive, EKU Libraries provide a wide array of resources and services designed to meet the evolving academic needs of EKU students. These resources encompass research assistance, diverse study spaces, extensive collections, and cutting-edge technology.
John Grant Crabbe Main Library: A Hub of Resources
The John Grant Crabbe Main Library, a vital part of Eastern Kentucky University since its founding in 1906, stands as a testament to the university's commitment to academic excellence. Housing a collection of over 830,000 books, the library also offers a diverse range of services for adults and children.
Beyond its extensive collection, Crabbe Library houses several key resources, including:
- Java City Library Café: A convenient spot for students to grab a coffee and snack while studying.
- Learning Resources Center: Specifically designed to support the College of Education, providing specialized resources and assistance for education students.
- Law Library: Catering to the needs of law students and faculty, offering a comprehensive collection of legal resources.
- Noel Studio for Academic Creativity: A space dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in academic pursuits, offering resources and support for students working on projects and presentations.
- Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning: A resource center for faculty members, providing support and resources to enhance their teaching skills and pedagogical approaches.
- Special Collections and Archives: Preserving the history and literature of Kentucky, this collection includes manuscripts, institutional records, diaries, genealogical records, photographs, tapes, films, maps, electronic records, and memorabilia.
- Student Success Center: Offering a range of services to support student success, including tutoring, advising, and academic coaching.
- Bratzke Center: Providing resources and support for students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.
- Bobby Verdugo & Yoli Rios Bilingual Peer Mentor and Tutoring Center: Offering bilingual support and tutoring services to students, promoting academic success for diverse learners.
- Education Abroad: Providing information and resources for students interested in studying abroad, expanding their academic horizons and cultural understanding.
In addition to its physical resources, the library also conducts computer classes in Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint for children, youths, teenagers, and adults, promoting digital literacy within the community.
Accessing Library Resources in Blackboard
EKU Libraries provide seamless integration with Blackboard, the university's learning management system. The method for linking to a library resource within Blackboard depends on the platform where the resource is located.
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Linking to Resources:
The way to link to a library resource in Blackboard depends on the resource platform. The following are general guidelines:
Identify the Resource: First, locate the specific article, ebook, video, or other resource you want to share with your students.
Find the Permalink: Look for a "Permalink" or "Persistent Link." This is a stable URL that will consistently direct users to the resource, even if the database undergoes updates. Common labels for permalinks include:
- Permalink
- Persistent link
- Stable URL
- Durable URL
Copy the Permalink: Copy the entire permalink address.
Paste into Blackboard: In your Blackboard course, paste the permalink into the desired location, such as a content area, assignment, or discussion forum.
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NOTE: These examples represent a small fraction of the places permalinks reside within databases and are meant to serve as a snapshot of what to look for. Consult the Permalinks guide for further assistance, reach out to your library liaison, or contact the library through one of their "Ask Us!" channels if you're having trouble.
Copyright Considerations for Educational Use
Navigating copyright laws is crucial when incorporating external materials into your teaching. EKU Libraries provide guidance on fair use principles to help educators make informed decisions.
Fair Use Principles:
Fair use is a legal doctrine that permits the use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder under certain circumstances. Factors considered in determining fair use include:
- The purpose and character of the use: Is the use for nonprofit educational purposes?
- The nature of the copyrighted work: Is the work primarily factual or creative?
- The amount and substantiality of the portion used: How much of the work is being used in relation to the whole?
- The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work: Will the use negatively impact the copyright holder's ability to profit from the work?
Practical Guidelines:
- The "Less is Better" Approach: A conservative approach to fair use is generally recommended. Using only what is necessary for the educational purpose is advisable.
- Percentage Guidelines: In the past, best practices have recommended using no more than 10% of a work. This generally equals one chapter in a book, one article per journal issue, or three minutes of video. However, these are only guidelines, and a more nuanced analysis of fair use is often required.
- Educational Purpose: The most critical factor is the educational purpose and goal of the use of the work. A clear justification for how the copyrighted material enhances the learning experience is essential.
Specific Scenarios:
- Music: Instead of reproducing music, it is better to link to the video because there is no copying of the music. Section 110(2), known as the TEACH Act, permits the performance of nondramatic music in a nonprofit education institution as a part of instruction, so the performance is permitted.
- Open Access Material: Many authors create material that is intended to be used and shared freely. Always check the licensing terms of open-access materials to ensure compliance.
- Materials in EKU Libraries’ Digital Collections: Linking to an item is an easy way to make an item available without having to enter into a discussion of copyright.
Seeking Assistance:
Copyright law can be complex. When in doubt, consult with your library liaison or seek guidance from EKU Libraries' resources on copyright.
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