COPYRIGHT

Federal copyright law, expressed in Title 17 of the United States Code, sets limits on the ways in which faculty, students and staff can use materials in the classroom, and the ways in which materials can be disseminated in print or electronically. While many of the uses that faculty might wish to make of copyright-protected materials may be allowed by the rights accorded under the fair use provisions of federal copyright law, 17 U.S.C. Section 107, other ways in which they may want to use materials may not be covered by fair use, and therefore require formal permission from the copyright holder. The copying of print materials, posting of materials on e-reserves, public showing of films, and inclusion of photographs or diagrams from published materials on websites, to name just a few examples, may all be constrained by copyright law and be allowed only with permission from the copyright holder.

Copyright law is an evolving area, and multiple interpretations of fair use exist, some of which are currently being challenged in court. Members of the Carleton community should be aware that this is a complex and contested area. The following materials are available to help faculty, students, and staff navigate copyright law in an informed and conscientious manner, and, when appropriate, obtain permission for use of copyrighted materials:

• Online copyright resources for the Carleton community. The Copyright at Carleton Web site provides links to information on the use of print materials, as well as to information on use of images, music, film/video, and software and web content. In particular, faculty may find the University of Minnesota’s information on fair use and guidelines for classroom use, as published in House Report 94-1476, helpful.

• Tools to guide you in determining the copyright status of a work, and the Four Factors Worksheet, to help you evaluate whether your intended use of a copyright-protected work falls under the fair use exemption.

• Information on how to obtain copyright permission through the Copyright Clearance Center.

If you still have questions after reviewing these materials, please email the copyright group.