When using the library, you may run into copyright questions. Can you scan that entire book? Can you use an image from Digital Collections in your presentation? Can you show this film to your class? We can help you answer these questions. 

Policy takeaways:

• As users of the library, you may be in the position where you want a copy of a document for your research.
• The U.S. government protects the creators of original works with a copyright law, but also protects libraries and researchers who need to make copies when conducting research.
• Course reserves are protected under this policy but have some limitations (spelled out in the policy).
• Fair use is an important concept to understand when you're duplicating a resource. Our staff understands when it is and isn't appropriate to make a copy, and can answer any questions you have. Email us.

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code), governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order, if, in its judgement, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law.

We have two detailed policies related to copyright issues:

• Electronic reserve copyright guidelines
• Media copyright guidelines