Research Basics: Copyright Basics
Copyright Basics
Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright
Public Domain Slider
Alternatives to Illegal Downloading
Uploading or downloading copyrighted works without the permission of the copyright owner is a violation of TCTC policy and U.S. law.
Legal alternatives to unauthorized downloading link:
Copyright Exceptions: Section 108 Spinner
Useful Copyright Links
- Digital Millennium Copyright ActAn 18 page summary of the original 60 page DMCA.
- Public DomainFrom the Cornell University Library Copyright Information Center, a helpful chart to determine when U.S. works are considered in the public domain.
- Teach ActBrief Guide to the TEACH Act.
- U.S. Copyright and Fair Use IndexHelpful in understanding what courts have to date considered to be fair or not fair,
- U. S. Copyright OfficeA link to the website of the U.S. Copyright Office.
- WATCH searchable databaseSearch Writers, Artists, and their Copyright Holders database to find out who holds copyright, and contact information to seek permission.
- Title 17Cornell University School of Law searchable index to copyright law information in Title 17.
Using Images and copyright issues
Most online images can be used for class papers, class presentations, and even websites under the educational fair use policy, as long as they are only available to your own educational community. "Fair Use" allows scholars, students, teachers, and others to use works that are still in copyright protection for the purpose of education and criticism. This does not mean that any use is fair as long as it is for educational purposes, but education is specifically mentioned as a favored purpose.
Here is a link to Brown University Library's guide for images and copyright:
For more info, here is a link to the MIT Libraries' guide for images and fair use:
Ethical Issues for Interviews
- Establishing ethical relationshipsFrom the Baylor University Institute for Oral History
- Oral History, Human Subjects, and Institutional Review BoardsFrom the Oral History Association
- Oral History EthicsFrom the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling at Concordia University
Fair Use
- U.S. Copyright and Fair Use IndexHelpful in understanding what courts have to date considered to be fair or not fair,
- Fair Use TutorialCreative and entertaining tutorial on fair use created by the University of St. Frances, Joliet, IL.
Fair Use Evaluator
Getting Permission
- Sample permission form letterInformation on securing permission to use copyright material. Three model letters requesting permission can be found at the bottom of this page.
- Getting PermissionU.S. Copyright Office
- WATCH searchable databaseSearch Writers, Artists, and their Copyright Holders database to find out who holds copyright, and contact information to seek permission.