What AU Faculty Need to Know About Copyright for Teaching

The text here serves as a guideline and is not intended as legal advice. Refer to appropriate copyright law and University policies for full information. If you have a specific legal question pertaining to copyright law, you should contact the Office of General Counsel at 202-885-3285.

Several texts have been useful in preparation of this resource and they are cited in the resources section. Material used was done so with permission and further use of this document is subject to the licenses and copyright in those original works.

• What is covered by copyright?
  
  
• What rights are protected by copyright and how do they affect use of copyrighted materials in courses?
  
  
• How long does copyright protection last?
  
  
• What materials may be used in the classroom or otherwise without obtaining permission?
  
  
• How can I use copyrighted materials in the classroom?
  
  
• If I make a case for fair use and the owner disagrees can I still be held liable?
  
  
• Is it legal to use course packs for my class and if so how may I do that?
  
  
• How may I use copyrighted materials in Blackboard courseware?
  
  
• How may I use Blackboard for reserve readings?
  
  
• May I keep the same articles on my Blackboard site or on e-reserve each semester?
  
  
• May I let my students download articles that I have placed on Blackboard?
  
  
• Are there any problems with linking to Web pages in my Blackboard site?
  
  
• Are there any special requirements for using art, photographs or images?
  
  
• Are there any special requirements for music?
  
  
• May I use copyrighted materials on a class Web site without obtaining permission?
  
  
• May I give my students assignments to create Web sites projects that use copyrighted materials?
  
  
• May I email articles to my students?
  
  
• If my use doesn’t fall under fair use or an exemption, how do I obtain permission to use copyrighted works in the classroom?
  
  
• What resources are available to help me resolve copyright problems?
  
  
• What can I do to make materials more accessible to students?