Making Sense of Copyright
Why Copyright?
The copyright question is fraught with murky and complex questions. Why can I copy only a portion of the text? Why can't I access certain databases anytime I want to? When do I need to get permission to print or use information in my paper or project? What is "fair use"?
The following are some web sites that will take some of the mystery out of the copyright question:
University of Texas CRASH COURSE IN COPYRIGHT Written for the university community "fair use" is the first topic. This site has guidelines to determine when you can use copyrighted material.
U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE Circular 1, a 12-page PDF file explains what is and isn't permissible to copy or reproduce.
COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES OFFICE Created by Dr. Fritz Dolak. Has a tutorial specifically for colleges and universities that offer distance education programs. Has links to other ariticles about copyright.
COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE CENTER The organization helps obtain permission to use copyrighted materials.
COPYRIGHT WATCH Easy access to national copyright laws from around the globe.