Resources: Copyright and Fair Use
This page contains a brief overview of copyright and fair use. It includes links to more comprehesive and detailed resources. If any ISU faculty member has questions about copyright and fair use, please contact Kay Flowers, University Librarian, for assistance. The University's Adoptable Copyright Policy is published on the ISU Website. The ITRC also offers a workshop on this topic twice per year (fall and spring semesters).
A Few Copyright Myths
If it's for educational use, it's "fair use."
False: Type of use is only one of the four factors (links to University of Texas in Austin) that determine if an educational use is "fair."
The resource has to say "Copyright (date)" to be copyrighted.
False: Since 1989, no notice is required.
If there is no charge, there is no violation.
False: Copyright owners have all rights to distribution.
If it's out of print, it is out of copyright.
False: Copyright has definite terms.
If it's published (on the Internet or elsewhere), it is in the public domain.
False: The copyright owner still holds all rights to distribution. And, whoever published it may have violoted copyright by doing so.
A Few Good Web Resources
Crash Course in Copyright from University of Texas in Austin, by Georgia K. Harper - A course in copyright, covering not only fair use but also copyright management for the copyright holder.
10 Myths about Copyright Explained. By Brad Templeton - Addresses the most common misconceptions about copyright, including a detailed explanation about educational fair use from the CETUS website.
American Library Association TEACH Act webpage, prepared by Kenneth D. Crews - Provides background on copyright law and explanations about the implications and requirements of the TEACH Act for distance education uses of copyright protected media.