Navigating Copyrighted Works

people sharing a copyright symbol
Copyright Sharing. (n.d.). Missouri S&T. https://libguides.mst.edu/c.php?g=395171&p=2685081

There are some ways you can access copyrighted works without them falling into the public domain first.

  • Fair Use: Fair use is an exemption from the legality of using a copyrighted work, however it's a risky move to simply rely on fair use as it is a case by case desicion based on the purpose, nature of the copyrighted work, the amount of the resource used, and the effect on the original copywritten work.
    For more information on how to determine if you're in compliance with fair use, visit this link
  • Seeking Permission: This is simply when you receive legal permission from who ever holds the copyright over the work you want access to.
  • The TEACH act:This was a law enacted in 2002 which granted instructors special permissions to use copyrighted work in order to aid in digital teaching.