Copyright Basics

UMB Copyright Policies

• UMB Guidelines on Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials

HS/HSL Copyright Policies

• HS/HSL Reserve Policy

Introduction to Copyright

What is Copyright?

• United States Copyright Office: What is Copyright?

• Copyright Management Center: Copyright Quickguide

• Brigham Young University Copyright Licensing Office: Copyright Basics

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

• Purdue University Copyright Office: When Works Pass into the Public Domain

Copyright Law

U.S. Copyright Law

• Copyright Law of the United States of America, June 2003 edition
  The latest version of the U.S. Copyright Law.

• 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.

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 Exception (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.

• The Teach Act (110)
  This act clarifies when it is permissible to use copyrighted materials in a distance education setting.

• Digital Millennium 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.

Copyright Basics Online Tutorials

• University of Texas: Crash Course in Copyright Tutorial

• Maricopa Community College: Copyright Online Tutorial

• Brigham Young University: Copyright Fundamentals

• Brigham Young University: Copyright Resource Material Booklet

This website presents information about copyright law. HS/HSL 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.

Still have a copyright question? Email the HS/HSL Reference Desk or call 410-706-7996

Content maintained by Julie Nanavati. Last updated, 03/19/07.