Copyright

This guide is not intended to replace the advice of legal counsel. The content of this guide is meant to be informative, but does not constitute legal advice. If you have further questions about copyright in your specific situation, please seek appropriate legal counsel.

Can I make photocopies of this article for my class?

Instructors can make one copy per student in their class. However, the copies must meet the tests of brevity, spontaneity, and cumulative effect, and each copy must include a notice of copyright.

• Brevity - Examples: A complete poem of less than 250 words, or an excerpt from a longer poem of not more than 250 words. A complete article, story or essay of less than 2,500 words. An excerpt of prose not more than 10% of the work. One chart, graph, diagram, drawing cartoon or picture per book or per periodical issue.
• Spontaneity - The copying is at the instance and inspiration of the individual instructor, and the decision to use the work and the moment of its use are so close in time that it would be unreasonable to expect a timely reply to a request for permission.
• Cumulative Effect - With the exceptions of newspapers, or current news of other periodicals, the copying is only for one course. Each course is limited to one instance from the same author or three instances from the same collective work on periodical volume during one semester. Cannot provide more than nine instances of photocopying for the entire class per semester.

Can I link to an article from a library database in eLearn/eCampus?

Yes. If the college has access to an article through the library databases, linking to it through your Canvas course is always good practice.

Can I link to a website in eLearn/eCampus?

Yes. Linking to a website that is open for all to see is considered an "implied license." However, if the website has some sort of method for you to accept their terms of use (usually by click an 'accept' button), then by clicking 'accept' you are required to follow their licensing terms for the website.

Are my student's presentations, assignments, etc. copyrighted?

Yes, they are. Before reusing student work as an example, you should always ask for permission from your students.

Can I digitize this VHS tape, picture, etc.?

Generally not if it is available for sale in digital format.

 

Adapted from NOVA Libraries