Penn State and Napster

While Penn State's deal with Roxio will provide access to popular music, how relevant is the Napster catalog to academic music studies? Wouldn't Penn State be more successfully promoting its academic goals by spending the money from the Roxio deal to create digital streaming access to its entire music library?

Penn State Live: Q&A: Penn State's new online music service with Napster

Penn State is concerned that some of its students don't understand that downloading music over computer networks without purchasing copyright permission is both unethical and against the law. The University believes it has a responsibility to do something to change that. Penn State will continue to try to educate students on this issue and will continue to enforce its strong policies against copyright infringement. At the same time, the University wants to provide legal alternatives to illegal downloading. This service is directly aimed at helping students to understand the issue and to provide them with an alternative.

The Collegian: PSU students react to deal with Napster: "I think it is kind of dumb."

News.com: Penn State students blast Napster deal: "The money I pay could go to much better things such as rebuilding the network or better lab equipment."

Boston Globe: Penn State, Roxio link to let files flow

Wired News: Penn State, Napster Ink Pact

Derek Slater: Thoughts on PSU/Napster and Responses to Thoughts on PSU/Napster

The Register: Penn State's pigopolist pork is not smelling sweet

Previously: Napster follows in the footsteps of Lexis and Westlaw