This circular answers some of the questions that are frequently asked about copyright, a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship" including library, dramatic musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The Copyright Act of 1976 (title 17 of the United States…

This paper presents an overview of copyright issues for research and teaching. The first section provides historical background from the origin of the concept of copyright in 1557 in Britain to the present. The second section looks at fair use, including parameters and guidelines for reproduction. The following sections discusses the Berne…

This article discusses the effect of the Copyright Act of 1976 upon fee-based library copying services. Highlights include commercial advantage, open collection, notice of copyright, articles and small excerpts, multiple or systematic copying, purpose of fair use, the Williams and Wilkins case, and large-scale copying operations. Forty-four…

The documentary materials collected in this booklet deal with reproduction of copyrighted works by educators, librarians, and archivists for a variety of uses, including reproduction for teaching in educational institutions at all levels and reproduction by libraries and archives for purposes of study, research, interlibrary exchanges, and…

As schools increasingly take advantage of sophisticated technologies to enhance education, their need to understand basic copyright law becomes more urgent. This reference guide reviews the historical development of copyright, examines basic components, and analyzes exceptions to copyright owners' rights. Also covered are key areas such as…

Information on patents is provided for librarians and laypersons requiring an understanding of the system and the processes involved. Chapter 1 discusses successful patents; terms and concepts; patent types; copyright; trademark; requirements; patent examiners; patent pending; expiration; patentee and assignee; and reissued patents. Chapter 2…

In order to prevent trainers from running afoul of federal and state laws and regulations when setting up a training program, the author presents specific issues of importance to trainers. These concern copyright, idea ownership, comparable worth, access to training, and privacy. (CT)

This pamphlet discusses how colleges and universities can protect themselves and their employees from liability for copyright infringement. The pamphlet outlines types of works that are copyrightable and notes that certain infringements of copyrights are excused under the doctrine of "fair use." The four factors in determining fair use are…

This document examines copyright issues that can be encountered during a production of educational materials. The book is divided into two parts: part 1 discusses sections of the current Copyright Act; part 2 focuses on specific production-related issues. Highlights of part 1 include working definitions; background; what can and cannot be…

As public humanities programs increasingly make use of media products, an understanding of copyrights is essential. Some problems pertaining to copyrights may be alleviated by advanced planning, a clear division of responsibilities, and by using reason to determine that policies are workable and fair. The problem involves a growing…

This document covers the copyright law in order to give schools, colleges, and public libraries the information they need to use video technology. The first section contains frequently asked questions about copyright law. The second section covers developing copyright guidelines. A sample permission letter for off-air videotaping is given to serve…

Reviews copyright legislation; presents guidelines that should be used to determine whether educators' copying procedures or policies are in keeping with the copyright laws. Presents two scenarios wherein teachers are reproducing works for their classes and provides case law citations. (MLF)

Selected legal problem areas for sectarian and nonsectarian private schools that have generated substantial litigation and frequent questions from nonpublic school administrators and faculty are discussed. Major topic headings include tort liability, constraints on student and faculty discipline, governing board liability, governmental regulation…

The school principal has an affirmative duty to be informed and to fully inform those under his or her supervision regarding the use of copyright. The present Copyright Law of 1978 and its key guidelines are reviewed in this paper, with a focus on the copyright law as it applies to computer software programs, videotaping, and photocopy.…

This pullout guide addresses issues regarding library use of copyrighted videotapes and computer software. Guidelines for videotapes cover in-classroom use, in-library use in public library, loan, and duplication. Guidelines for computer software cover purchase conditions, avoiding license restrictions, loaning, archival copies, and in-library and…