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Copyright and Fair Use: Welcome

This LibGuide uses material found on the Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology LibGuide on Copyright and Fair Use. [http://poly.libguides.com/copyright]

About this Guide

Curious about copyright laws? Want to know just what the heck fair use is, but too afraid to ask? Then welcome to our LibGuide on copyright for students, faculty and staff!

While copyright issues can be complex, everyone needs to understand the basics. Failure to comply with copyright law can lead to substantial legal penalties for both you and the college or organization you attend.

Use this guide to educate and immerse yourself in the often confusing world of copyright, plagiarism and fair use. This guide also includes copyright and fair use compliance guidelines for faculty.

Where To Go From Here

  • Copyright Law gives you the basics of copyright law and how it might affect YOU: the instructor or student.
  • Fair Use explains when it is ok to use copyrighted works for educational purposes.
  • Public Domain: What constitutes as public domain and how can it be utilized in an academic setting.
  • Compliance Guidelines for Faculty describes for Faculty how to prevent copyright infringment in the classroom and when placing items on reserve at Stafford Library.
  • More resources - a simple list of books, external webpages, etc. that further explain or supplement Copyright and Plagiarism topics.  Exciting stuff!