4c. The United States copyright laws are designed to prevent people from copying and distributing other people's work without permission. This includes both paper copies (i.e., photocopies, typewritten copies, etc.) and electronic copies (scanned or uploaded). In an academic setting there is a fair use exception to the permission requirement, but it is only available if you meet the guidelines. If you do not meet the guidelines, permission must be sought. |
Fair Use is a doctrine of the United States copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted works without seeking permission typically for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In determining whether or not use of a copyrighted work is fair the following factors should be considered:
Are you conducting a study that needs to be IRB-approved? Viterbo's Institutional Review Board (IRB) should be your first stop when seeking permission to begin a study that involves human subjects
When it comes to copying or distributing someone else's work within the classroom, you may want to contact the library to seek permission.
The Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) also has the right to grant permission and collect fees for photocopying rights for certain publications.
Back to Previous Step | Continue to Next Step |
Reach us at the Viterbo Library by phone, email or chat.
Main Desk: 608-796-3269 | Reference Desk: 608-796-3270 | Reference Email: reference@viterbo.edu