LibGuides: COPYRIGHT: HOME

INTRODUCTION

Work created by anyone is automatically protected by copyright laws; consequently, owners of such works possess the rights of when and where their work can be used.

As a student, you are allowed to use a certain amount of a copyrighted materials based on the fair use guidelines, but you must still give credit to the owner. Ultimately, you can refer to a work in your writing or presentations, but you cannot make images part of your work unless you have permission from the copyright owner.

“Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression.” – United States Copyright Office

WHAT IS COPYRIGHT?

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO USE A COPYRIGHTED WORK?

When you have permission from the creator.
When the work is in the public domain.
When the creator has designated the work available for use under certain licenses, such as Creative Commons.
When you proceed according to the legal doctrine of Fair Use.
When you are quoting and citing sources according to established scholarly guidelines in your academic work.

THINGS YOU CAN'T LEGALLY DO:

Photocopy or otherwise reproduce a book or a textbook (this includes using scanners and scanning apps.
Use someone else’s work without crediting them for it (this can include copying someone’s words, or other work in any tangible medium, and is considered plagiarism).