Using Copyrightable Materials

There is a common misconception that copyrighted work can be used as long as it’s for educational purposes. It’s important for instructors to understand fair use and its implications for using copyrighted materials in courses.

See the University Libraries copyright information and resources for information on what materials you can use in your teaching, research and publications, multimedia projects, and assignments and class projects.

If you have complicated questions about copyright in academic technology, contact Nancy Sims at the University Libraries, nasims@umn.edu or 624-1851.

Linking

Linking to a resource is the easiest way to avoid having to deal with copyright, contract, or other legal restrictions on its use.

You can create a link to articles available through the University Libraries. More on linking to electronic resources »

Additional Resources on Copyright

Copyright Use and Teaching: information and resources on copyright use in teaching contexts

What You Don’t Know About Copyright, but Should: article in The Chronicle of Higher Education by Nancy Sims, copyright-program librarian at the University of Minnesota Libraries.

UMN Library Course Reserves: Print, Electronic, Copyright and Fair Use Reserves

Policies: general information, instructor responsibilities, user responsibilities, and library responsibilities related to course reserves.