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Copyright Guide for Library Staff

This guide provides SLCC Library staff with general copyright knowledge to better understand how copyright affects their work.

Course Materials: Canvas or Online Instruction

When assisting a faculty member find materials to use in online instruction - typically to be put on Canvas - your go-to copyright exception will be Fair Use. You may also wish to look at the TEACH Act (Section 110(2)), which allows for the performance and display of works in very particular situations, or use other options.

Section 107: Fair Use

Fair Use is always an exception to keep in mind when assisting faculty with instructional materials. When doing a Fair Use analysis for material that will be housed on Canvas, the fact that it will be "locked down" so only students in the course can see it may weigh in favor of the use. Remember that a Fair Use analysis should be done for every work and instance of its use. If a faculty member plans on using the same work for multiple semesters, it may be worthwhile to look into another option. For a more robust understanding for Fair Use and how to apply the four factors, view the Home page of this guide.

Section 110(2): TEACH Act

The TEACH Act provided limited ability for instructors to use copyrighted materials in digital learning environments. However, it places more limitations on performing or displaying a work for education online than in the face-to-face classroom, and there are certain requirements and faculty responsibilities. Learn more about the TEACH Act.

Other Options for Online Instruction

Helping faculty locate course materials for online instruction may be covered by Fair Use and the TEACH Act, but it can be useful to think about these alternatives.

Public Domain

Works in the public domain have never been copyrighted or have had their copyright expire. There are no copyright constraints on using these works.

Open Access

Materials with open licenses, such as Creative Commons licenses, can be used according to the terms of the license. These works could include images, videos, articles, textbooks, and more.

Copyright Clearance Center

Check if SLCC's Annual Copyright License through the CCC already covers the desired use of the material a faculty wants to use. If not, and if no other copyright exceptions apply, the faculty member may be able to pay for a license through the CCC.

Using Library-Subscribed Content

The Library's holdings include the content the faculty member wants to use. If so, the faculty member can link to the content, allowing students to access it through the Library's subscriptions. This is a good solution for providing access to copyrighted content. 

For licensing films to use in instruction (online or face-to-face), faculty can submit a streaming media request.