Copyright in Context
In the classroom:
The classroom is one of the safest places to use copyrighted works since use is limited to a specific, small group for a short duration and is generally non-commercial and educational. If you would like to use a work first consider the work itself. Is it in the public domain? Does the school have a license to use it? If permission is needed and you don't have permission consider whether you qualify for the Classroom Exception for performance and display. Next, ask yourself if your use is fair in light of your educational purpose. If none of these exceptions apply to your use you can always seek permission or have your students find a copy of the work online, in the library or from a vendor.
Examples of Safe Uses | Examples of Risky Uses |
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Read more about copyright in the classroom in the Copyright in the Classroom FAQ
Digital and Distance Education:
Digital and distance education shares many of the privileged qualities of classroom use such as non-commercial, educational use. Unlike classroom use, however, the open nature of online instruction makes using copyrighted works more complicated.
If you plan to use a work, first ask yourself about the work itself. If it is in the public domain or the university has a license to use it you are free to use it, but you should be sure that any license covers digital use. Linking to an online resource is almost always permitted unless you know that the site is infringing. Next you should consider whether your use is covered by the TEACH Act that permits distance education in amounts similar to classroom use but only permits streaming of "portions" of dramatic video and requires password protection. You should also consider whether your use qualifies as a fair use in light of your educational purpose. If none of these exceptions support your use you can always seek permission.
EXAMPLES OF SAFE USES | EXAMPLES OF RISKY USES |
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Read more about copyright in digital education in the Copyright Online FAQ