Copyright Compliance

When talking about copyright, what we are really talking about are the legal restrictions we face when delivering content to our students. The US government has given us some wiggle room, although if you read USC 107 - Limitations to exclusive rights: Fair use you might notice that things are rather vague. Not to worry! If you understand the basics of copyright and have a sense for how fair use is determined, you'll have a better grasp of your options. This copyright section has three parts:

  1. A quick overview video (below) of copyright as it pertains to education.
  2. A tutorial to help you think about the nuance of fair use.
  3. Solutions for making sure your course readings are copyright compliant.

 

1. A QUICK OVERVIEW

Image link to the video, Copyright on Campus

(6:30 minutes - opens in a new window)

 

2. TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING WITH THE FAIR USE TUTORIAL

 

Balancing scale with fair use on one side and infringement on the other

 

TAKE THE FAIR USE TUTORIAL

 

 

3. SOLUTIONS FOR COPYRIGHT COMPLIANT READINGS

 

Now that you have a sense of some of the copyright pitfalls that can happen while building your course, here are some strategies for finding and using course materials correctly. (As always, don't hesitate to work with your instructional designer to find solutions.)

 

Entrance to Limieux Library

 

Link Directly to Digital Resources in the Library

Linking directly into the library's resources avoids any copyright issues. The Lemieux Library subscribes to thousands of online journals and other digital resources. Students spend a significant portion of their tuition dollars to gain access to this content and it's easy to make them accessible right from your Canvas course. The best practice is to link directly to this content online. Do not download and then re-upload journal articles to Canvas as an attached document as that requires additional permissions fees. Use the Lemiuex Library Guide to Direct Linking Library Resources to help you and/or work with your instructional designer to make sure you link correctly. You might also consider reaching out to your Lemiuex Library Liaison Librarian for more help.

Request a Coursepack

If a reading is not available electronically in the library or other places, you probably need a coursepack. Coursepacks are collections of articles and chapters put together into a printed or electronic book and sold directly to students at SUperCopy. The Copyright Coordinator at SUpercopy will work with you to determine the copyright status of each item you need and then reach out to rightsholders to secure permissions on your behalf. This is a fantastic resource and we can't emphasize enough how helpful it is to get in touch early with the copyright coordinator to go over all of your questions.