The Mt. Hood Community Library supports the principles of fair use, a model policy developed by the American Library Association.
From the United States Code
"17 USC 107. Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair use
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phono-records or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting,
teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include-
- the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
- the nature of the copyrighted work;
- the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
- the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work."
How Do I Know that I’m Not Violating Copyright Law and that I’m Making Fair Use of Materials?
To help you determine whether the use of materials for your courses meets the guidelines for fair use, MHCC Library encourages you to fill out a Fair Use Checklist to help you evaluate your use of each item/title and keep a copy of it as long as you use the item for your class.
You may also find it useful to review the MHCC Copyright Guide.
What if I Need to Obtain Copyright Permission to Use Materials in My Class?
Columbia University’s Copyright Advisory Office has an excellent step-by-step guide to asking for permission, including some model permission letters.
Suggested Web Sites for Copyright Law and Fair Use