It's a quandary. There is so much available to us on the worldwide web: photos, videos, music, information. It's hard not to grab something that suits our purpose and use it. But, depending on how you are going to use what you're creating, you could be in violation of copyright laws. And, if you get caught, there are consequences. Knowing when you're in violation, or when you're not, is important as you move ahead not only in your academic career, but in your professional career.
Copyright laws in the U.S. date back to the drafting of the first Constitution, when the framers decided that protecting original works would promote the development of science and innovation. In other words, if someone could create and/or invent something, and yet someone else profited from it, people could be discouraged from devoting the time to, and making the necessary investments in, new inventions and/or books, music, etc.
So, pretty much ever since people began creating original objects, they wanted to maintain the rights over them. And that hasn't changed much. But what has changed is the access we now have to those materials: it's become a whole lot easier - and tempting - to use them. But think about it. If you created something original - an invention, a song, a video - chances are you would like to maintain control over who uses, and how, it's used. In a nutshell, that's what copyright laws do. They protect the artist and his/her product. When you observe copyright laws, you are respecting the rights of that artist.
Take a few minutes to view the videos below, and to take our quick quiz when you've finished. Check out some of the other resources on the page as well. Become familiar with copyright laws.
"When you have wit of your own, it's a pleasure to credit other people for theirs.”
- Criss Jami
"The copyright bargain: a balance between protection for the artist and rights for the consumer."
- Robin Gross
Fair Use is a section of the Copyright Act that allows some materials to be used for free and without permission. There is criteria that must be applied before determining whether something does qualify for use under the Fair Use section. (See the materials below for those guidelines.)
Using materials strictly for educational purposes often falls under Fair Use. For example, it means you can import some photos into a PowerPoint presentation, or into a research paper, provided that the photos you use don't exceed five photos from the same person. Also, that paper or presentation cannot be used for any commercial purpose whatsoever, and cannot be made available to an audience outside of the school. However, you always must provide a citation for whatever you use, regardless of whether or not it's free or requires permission.
If you are uncertain about whether something can be used under the Fair Use stipulation, use the "Thinking Through Fair Use" worksheet in "Helpful Web Sites" on the other side of this page.
YouTube observes copyright laws. Make sure you understand them if you are making your own YouTube videos, or downloading anything from YouTube that isn't covered under Fair Use.
Research Skill #6:
How to use and/or create materials of your own without violating copyright laws.
Not just while you're a student, but in your professional life as well, chances are you will be turning to the Web for resources when you're putting materials together, either for a report, a presentation, a classroom, etc. Understanding copyright laws will prove to be a strong asset to whoever employs you, because nothing you create on their behalf could be subject to prosecution for violation of copyright laws. Take the time to learn about copyright. And remember - a good rule of thumb: if you're not sure, ask for permission before using something.
