Brief Biography

B.A. University of Northern Iowa, 1972

M.S.L.S. University of Kentucky, 1978

Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1995

Currently Associate Professor at Northern Illinois University

Experienced Elementary/Middle School Library Media Specialist

Has worked in the college setting since 1986

  • Past chair of the Young Adult Literature Conference at Northern Illinois University
  • Co-authored the book Voices of the founders: Early discourses in educational technology. Won the 1997 “Outstanding Book of the Year” by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Author of the book Copyright for Teachers and Librarians (2004).

 Extended Bibliography

Highlighted Bibliography 

Research Themes:

  •  Copyright for Educators
  • Intellectual Freedom
  • Using Gaming & Technology in the Classroom
  • Access to Technology
  • Legal Issues in the School Library Media Center

 Summary of Contributions:

  • Created comprehensive manual explaining Copyright in the Classroom
  • Promotes Intellectual Freedom
  • Encourages use of Technology to enhance learning
  • Studying effects of using simulation games to meet learning goals
  • Suggestions on explaining Copyright as a Library Media Specialist
  • Advocate for teaching social responsibility to students

      Rebecca P. Butler’s work on copyright law in the school environment teaches education professionals the terms of acceptable use of copyrighted material.  She advocates for the use of technology in the classroom and stresses the importance of teaching students and teachers to respect the rights of others.  Butler also focuses on how to engage students at school by creating an environment that effectively utilizes technology, print, and non-print media.

Links to Resources