FAQ About Fair Use
Frequently Asked Questions About Fair Use and Classroom Copying
- May I make copies of a favorite article for my students every semester?
No, repeated use would not pass the spontaneity test. You should request permission to duplicate the material.
- May I copy several chapters of a book for my students?
No, copying several chapters does not meet the brevity test; also, it could affect the author's profit from his work.
- May I copy sheet music to use in the classroom?
For use in the classroom, you can make copies of an excerpt of not more than 10% of the whole work.
- As I use the same articles each semester, may I make up a packet and then just have one photocopied for each student?
No, this accumulation constitutes a course-pack, and heavy fines have been levied for duplicating these without permission. If you want to use articles or other parts of published works each semester, you need to get permission from the publisher.
- May I make a copy of an article, poem, or chapter for each member of my class?
It is permissible to make multiple copies as long as the amount of material passes the brevity test (see above) and is used only for one semester. If you plan to use the same material each semester, permission needs to be obtained from the publisher.
- May I use photocopied music for performance?
No, performance of photocopied music is a copyright violation. However, you may make a copy, on an emergency basis, to replace a purchased copy which has been lost or destroyed.
Frequently asked questions about Fair Use and Moodle
- May I digitize copyrighted materials to a webpage on the Internet?
No, it would not be permissible to put these same materials on a website, as access to them would be open (not protected by password) and there would be no time limitations.
- May I link to articles from the Library's databases, such as Academic OneFile or Academic Search Premier, in my Moodle course?
Yes. This use is permitted by the database vendors, who have already paid the copyright fee. Use a database generated persistent link or create a persistent link using the VSC Link Builder.
- May I create a telecourse segment containing copyrighted text, video, audio, and photographs that are relevant to the class without obtaining permission to use the copyrighted materials? (Only students in the class will have access to the telecourse.)
Yes. Most experts believe that showing the videotape to students enrolled in the telecourse is a fair use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fair Use and Media
- May I rent a video to show as part of my class?
Teachers may borrow or rent a videotape or audio-recording to use in a classroom setting.
This permission applies even to videotapes licensed for Home Use Only, as long as they are used in a face-to-face teaching (classroom) situation.
- May I create a multi-media project to show it in class without obtaining permission?
Photographs, music, or video may be used in a classroom, as long as access to the presentation will be limited to class participants. The copyright fair use provision explicitly provides for classroom use of copyrighted material. Instructors and students may perform and display their own educational projects or presentations for instruction.
- May I play sound recordings or music in class? What about online classes?
Yes, as long as the original recordings or sound files are obtained legally and the performance of the material is done within a classroom or secure Moodle course.
- May I record a video from television to show in my class?
Yes, you can tape it and use it in your class, but may only retain it for 45 days.
- May I make a copy of a CD, videotape, or DVD for later use or to distribute?
No, creating multiple copies is not permissible.
