Copyright: Introduction

This guide presents information about copyright law. HSHSL makes every effort to assure the accuracy of this information, but does not offer it as counsel or legal advice. Consult your own attorney for advice concerning your specific situation.

What is Copyright?

Copyright Law of the United States
The latest version of the U.S. Copyright Law.
What is Copyright?
Get a description of copyright from the United States Copyright Office.
Copyright Basics
Learn basic information about copyright from the Brigham Young University Copyright Licensing Office.
Cornell Law School: U.S. Code Collection Title 17- Copyrights
A web resource that allows you to search for keywords within the full-text of the U.S. Copyright Law.
Framework for Analyzing Copyright
Framework that helps you analyze copyright issues. This was provided by the "Copyright for Educators & Librarians" Coursera class by Duke University, Emory University, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Exceptions and Limitations to Copyright

There are some exceptions and limitations to copyright that can allow for limited use of copyrighted materials. These resources help to better explain these exceptions and limitations.

Fair Use (107)
Allows for the limited use of copyrighted materials without obtaining copyright permission when the materials are used for teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, and commentary.
Library Use (108)
Allows libraries and archives to reproduce one copy of a work without obtaining copyright permission.
Right of Sale (109)
Allows members of the general public the right to resell or lend copies of works that they have purchased.
Teach Act (110)
This act clarifies when it is permissible to use copyrighted materials in a distance education setting.
Digital Millenial Copyright Act of 1998
This act heightens the penalties for copyright infringement on the Internet and makes it illegal to produce or distribute technology that can circumvent measures taken to protect copyright.

Public Domain Analysis Charts

Once the copyright on a work expires, the work is considered to be in the public domain and can be freely duplicated, used, and altered. The following charts explain when a work will enter the public domain.

Cornell Copyright Information Center: Public Domain Chart
Shows when items both published and unpublished become part of the public domain. Also includes information on sound recording and architectural works.

Copyright Tutorials

Brigham Young University Copyight Tutorial
Copyright tutorial from Bringham Young University.
Teaching Copyright
Copyright basics curriculum from Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Copyright Crash Course
Copyright crash course from the University of Texas.

UMB Resources

UMB Guidelines
UMB Guidelines on the Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials.
HSHSL Course Reserves

Ask a Copyright Question

Frequently Asked Copyright Questions
List of FAQs from the US Copyright Office
Email the HSHSL Information Services Desk With Your Copyright Question
A librarian will assist you with copyright questions you may have.
Contact the US Copyright Office
Information for contacting the US Copyright Office

Copyright: Introduction

What is Copyright?

Exceptions and Limitations to Copyright

Public Domain Analysis Charts

Copyright Tutorials

UMB Resources

Ask a Copyright Question

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