Works in the public domain
Some categories of publications are in the public domain; copyright law does not protect their use:
- Publications more than 75 years old (dated 1922 or earlier).
- Works first published before 1/1/78 that do not include a copyright notice.
- Most U.S. Government documents.
Some scholarly publications such as journal articles include a note offering the right to duplicate for educational purposes.
Photocopying (printed materials other than music)
For single copies for scholarly needs or library reserves, use these parameters to ensure compliance with the law:
- A chapter from a book.
- A journal or newspaper article.
- A short essay, short story or a short poem.
- A picture, chart, diagram, cartoon or graph.
Multiple copies for classroom use must meet the following tests of brevity, spontaneity and cumulative effect as indicated below. Every copy must include a prominent notice that it is copyrighted material.
Brevity & cumulative effect
Prose: A complete article, story or essay of less than 2,500 words; or an excerpt not to exceed 10% of the work or up to 500 words, whichever is less.
Poetry: A complete poem if less than 250 words and if printed on not more than two pages; or an excerpt of not more than 250 words.
Illustration: One chart, diagram, cartoon or picture per book or periodical issue.
Special Works: Certain works in poetry or prose or in "poetic prose", which may combine language with illustrations and which fall short of 2,500 words, may not be reproduced in their entirety. An excerpt comprising not more than two of the published pages of such a work, and containing not more than 10% of the words found in the text, may be reproduced.
Spontaneity
Copying is at the "instance and inspiration" of the individual, and the decision to use the work and the moment of its use for teaching effectiveness are so close in time that it would be unreasonable to expect a timely reply to a request for permission. Copying is for only one course, with only one copy per student.
Cumulative effect
Not more than one short story, short poem, article, essay or two excerpts may be copied from neither the same author, nor more than three from the same collective work or periodical volume during a term. There shall not be more than nine instances of such multiple copying for one course during a term.
Course packets
Every article or chapter in a course packet, if derived from copyrighted material, requires permission from the copyright owner (usually the publisher.) All items in the packet must include a notice of copyright, e.g., "Copyright 1990 by Academic Press, Inc." Students who purchase packets should not be charged in excess of cost.