Beeghly Library

See also:

Copyright and Fair Use



Copyright law generally exists to protect the potential commercial benefits of authors and creators. It also can help copyright owners control how their work is used. A work is covered under copyright the moment it is created, regardless of whether or not it is stated on the work.
There are several exceptions to copyright (ex. fair use), but if you are ever in doubt whether or not your request fullfills an exception, seek permission to use from the copyright owner.

Getting Permission

Often you can request permission from the copyright holder of the work you want to use. Depending on each case the time required can vary, so plan ahead.

The Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) can grant permission for use of thousands of text-based works. As a general rule, start here when desiring permission to use a text-based work. CCC is able to provide a simple and cost-effective method of securing permissions for the use of many text-based forms of copyrighted materials. Although some permissions are granted instantly at CCC online, others may take much longer. The service recommends entering your application four to six weeks before the start of the term for which the materials will be needed.

Links Regarding Copyright Law

Hints for Fair Use and Multimedia

You can use small portions of multimedia (including electronic) copyrighted works in academic projects, such use must be directly related to classroom activities.
Material may be used for up to two years, students have longer if part of a portfolio for employment purposes.
Up to 10% or 3 minutes of motion media may be used.
Up to 10% or 1,000 words of text can be used.
Up to 10% or no more than 30 seconds of music can be used.
No more than 5 images by an artist, or 10% or 15 images of a book.
Up to 10% or 2500 fields of a database.
Limited copies can be made, no more than two.
On all downloaded internet material, copyright info must be displayed clearly.
Multimedia Fair Use
Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education

Hints for Fair Use and Audio-Visual

Materials used on campus must be shown in a manner directly related to a class, whether individually or to a group.
Only students or educators may view or show.
Such showing cannot be for entertainment or even general intellectual purposes without permission.
Video tapes/DVD can be viewed in library if part of classroom assignment.
Video tapes/DVD can be loaned by library to campus users for classroom related purposes.
Videotaped recordings of broadcasts can only be kept for 45 days.
PBS recordings can be kept for 7 days only.
Copies of audiovisual materials can only be made to replace those that are lost or damaged and are archival copies.
Audio-Visual Fair Use

If you have copyright questions, don't hesitate to contact a librarian.