iSchool Affiliate Professor Sara Benson, copyright librarian and associate professor at the University Library, has been awarded a Fulbright Specialist Grant. First established in 2001, this program by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs "pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with institutions abroad to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn about other cultures while building capacity at receiving institutions."
Individuals with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds go through a competitive application process to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster. Those selected are eligible to be paired with an approved project designed by foreign institutions from over 150 countries. Benson's project—a qualitative study analyzing the use of Bulgaria copyright law's text and data mining exceptions—with American University in Bulgaria, will allow her to share her copyright expertise and gain insight into Bulgarian copyright law exceptions.
"I am thrilled to spend time in Bulgaria studying text and data mining exceptions this summer. I think this study will benefit researchers greatly as they seek to understand how greatly copyright law can impact their research efforts both in the United States and abroad," said Benson.