Library Home: Copyright & Citing Sources: Copy Rights

Copy rights are property rights. The copyright owner has the right to make a profit on every copy.

Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section "What Works Are Protected?"

The law protects the right of the copyright owner to have the opportunity to receive payment for every copy of their intellectual property.

Caution: The creator of an original work may not own the copyright. If you produce a “work for hire”, your employer may claim the copyright.

Copyright protects an owner's intellectual property. Do not steal credit or content!
Fair Use
Makes use of copyrighted material without permission legal, under certain circumstances. Usually, just one copy for personal non-commerical educational use. Does not include workbooks unless copyright owner grants permission.
Use the Four Factors test to evaluate whether your use may fall under "Fair Use"
1. If the purpose and character of your use is non-profit - that leans towards "Fair Use"
2. If the nature of the copyrighted work is a fact or an idea rather than the presentation of facts or ideas, that leans towards "Fair Use"
3. If the amount and substantiality of the portion taken is minimal and is not the main point of the work, that leans towards "Fair Use"
4. If the effect of the use upon the potential market is expected to be minimal or non-existent, that leans towards "Fair use"
Updates to Copyright Law of the United States: Amendments to the Copyright Act as a result of the Orrin G. Hatch–Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act Streamlines the music-licensing process to make it easier for rights holders to get paid when their music is streamed online. Amendments to the Copyright Act as a result of the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act Facilitates Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.

How do I get permission?

Copyright Clearance Center
Go here to get permission to reproduce copyrighted works, when necessary
Using Course Management Systems: Guidelines and Best Practices for Copyright Compliance

VIDEO: Copyright on Campus

Click link or image to go to website with video.

Copyright & Fair Use Handout

Tip: Copyright exists as soon as a work is put into tangible form.

Copyright vs Plagiarism

Plagiarism is theft of credit. Bad, but not illegal. However, teachers may equate plagiarism with cheating. Socially, this can ruin a political or writing career.

Copyright infringement implies theft of profit opportunity.