Information

United States Copyright Law

The use of written & recorded material is governed by the United States Copyright Law (Title 17 United States Code).

As a service, we are providing these links and this information so that you may have a better understanding of your rights and obligations under the United States Code. The Young Library Staff cannot provide Legal Advice regarding U.S. or International Copyright Law. For specific questions, we suggest that you consult legal counsel.

The most relevant section of the copyright law for scholars and other researchers is §107, which defines and grants Fair Use privilege to users of copyrighted works. A layman’s explanation of fair use is available at www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html. In general, should any question arise regarding Fair Use, it it best to contact the copyright holder of a work for permission to make copies. For more information see www.copyrightoncampus.com/compliance/index.asp

The staff of Young Library takes copyright and licensing issues very seriously. Use of copyrighted material without license and apart from fair use allowances (infringement) is not only a legal issue (17 USC 501), but a moral and spiritual one (Exo. 20:15). Copyright infringement is theft.

– U.S. Copyright Office – The official site regarding copyright law and questions
– Circular 1 – The official FAQ and introduction to copyright issues
– Circular 21 – A guide to library usage and fair use of copyrighted materials
– The Campus Guide to Copyright Compliance – Copyright information and tips geared for higher education faculty and students
– Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright -A discussion of copyright issues written on a level anyone can understand. Recommended by Jessica Litman, author of Digital Copyright
– Copyright Clearance Center – A central clearinghouse for royalty fees and copyright permission when Fair Use provisions do not apply
– Cornell University Library Copyright Information Center – Provided by Cornell University.
– Copyright Tools for Libraries – This page was developed by ALA to provide tools to help in determining copyright status.  It includes the Public Domain Slider, Section 108 Spinner and Exceptions for Instructors eTool
University of Kentucky Libraries’ Copyright Information – Information provided by the University of Kentucky Libraries. The site provides links to copyright guidelines and usage standards.
– Copyright and Fair Use @ Stanford University Libraries– A conservative understanding of copyright law and its application. This site provides links to copyright-related sites and official information.
– ALA | Copyright Issues – This page provides an overview and news related to copyright issues and changes in copyright law
–ALA TEACH Act – Provides information on copyright as related to Distance Education
-ALA Guide to Copyright for Libraries – This is the American Library Association general guide to copyright.
– World Intellectual Property Organization– The site for world-wide efforts to coordinate copyright and patent law

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research. If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of fair use, that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.