Copyright Officer and Associate Librarian Stephen Spong joins the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) this year as a visiting researcher, with a project that explores how generative AI challenges traditional understandings of creativity, originality, and authorship.
Starting in March, Stephen begins a 12-month role at OCUL with an eye to how academic libraries operate within evolving legal and policy environments as their campuses face an increasingly AI-mediated post-secondary landscape. Drawing on copyright law, emerging litigation, and scholarly debates, Stephen’s research will address practical questions facing libraries, including academic integrity, AI-assisted research and learning, and the stewardship of creative and scholarly works.
A key element of being an OCUL Visiting Researcher is sharing project outcomes that can support member libraries in navigating sectoral opportunities and challenges. Stephen anticipates his project will generate timely, applied insights to support policy development, staff training, and institutional decision-making around generative AI. Updates on Stephen’s work will be shared with OCUL members throughout the year.
About the OCUL Visiting Researcher Program
The OCUL Visiting Researcher Program offers support to member library workers as they pursue a research project while on sabbatical from their home institution. Projects must align with consortial priorities and broadly benefit academic library services or librarianship. Learn more about the OCUL Visiting Researcher Program.
About Stephen Spong
Stephen Spong is the copyright officer and an associate librarian at Western University, where he was previously the director of the John and Dotsa Bitove Law Library. Prior to joining Western Libraries, he held roles at Centennial College, the Ontario College of Art and Design University, and Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. His professional work focuses on copyright policy, scholarly communication, open education, and the intersection of copyright and generative artificial intelligence in post-secondary education.
For More Information
Questions about the OCUL Visiting Researcher Program can be emailed to ocul@ocul.on.ca.