• Public Domain
  When a work is in the public domain, it is available to anyone for any use. An author can choose to put a work in the public domain by labeling it "public domain". Also, all copyrighted works enter the public domain after a period of time. When this happens, copyright no longer applies, and permission is not needed to use these works.
  
   
• Fair Use
  The concept of "fair use" derives from Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 and provides some exemptions for the reproduction and distribution of copyrighted materials for purposes that might include teaching, research, news reporting, criticism, comment, and scholarship. Some, but not all, academic uses of copyrighted materials might be considered fair use.  Also, note our fair use balancing checklist. 
  
   
• Classroom Use
  Teachers may display or perform any lawfully obtained material within a classroom designed for face-to-face education without needing to obtain permission. This does not mean teachers can reproduce or distribute materials. The TEACH Act specifically extends these exemptions for on-line and distace education with a few limitations. Also note our TEACH Act checklist.
  
   
• Guidelines To Help Me
  Guidelines for the following uses of copyrighted works: Distance learning, Text materials, Images, Music, Video, Multimedia, Research copies, Electronic reserves, Software

Back to Top