Copyright & Fair Use in the Classroom

Use of copyright materials that fall outside fair use, requires permission

• Acknowledging the source of the copyrighted material does not substitute for obtaining permission.

• Permission is usually granted at a cost. Faculty members will need to consult with their department heads to ensure a budget is available to cover permission costs. 

• If you cannot secure permission from the copyright owner, use resource within fair use parameters.

Permission may come directly from the copyright owner, representative agent, or a copyright clearinghouse. 

• Identify the copyright owner.
• A collective rights clearance agency may facilitate permission for the use and reproduction of books and articles for teaching and research purposes (Copyright Clearance Center) 
• If permission is unavailable through a clearance agency, search the  publisher’s website or the Web for contact details and request permission directly from copyright owner.
• Document the process and keep a copy of all correspondences.
  • See examples of permission letters from Columbia University Libraries