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Best practices for use of copyrighted materials

Overview

The infographic leads with the question, “Can I use it in my Canvas course?” Then lists several types of copyrighted materials. At the bottom, the infographic lists two options to choose from in any of the previous scenarios and briefly explains the limits to using copyrighted materials without permission. It is included on the web page to give the reader an idea of best practices when to apply when using library materials and non-open resources in courses.

Presentation

The infographic leads with the question, “Can I use it in my Canvas course?” Then lists several types of copyrighted materials, and an associated scenario with each. Listed vertically from top to bottom, they are:

  • Article PDF: I have a PDF of an article. Can I post it in my Canvas course?
    • An icon of a piece of paper with writing on it is used to represent Article PDF
  • Author of Article: I am the author of an article. Can I post it in my Canvas course?
    • An icon of a pen and piece of paper with writing on it is used to represent Author of Article
  • Book Chapter PDF: I have a PDF of a chapter from a book. Can I post it in my Canvas course?
    • An icon of an open book is used to represent Book Chapter PDF.
  • Book Chapter Author: I am the author of the chapter of the book. Can I post it in my Canvas course?
    • An icon of a pen and open book is used to represent Book Chapter Author.
  • Book PDF: I have a PDF of an entire book. Can I post it in my Canvas course?
    • An icon of three closed books is used to represent Book PDF.
  • Book Author: I am the author of the book. Can I use it in my Canvas course?
    • An icon of a pen and three closed books is used to represent Book Author. 

The bottom of the infographic shows a subheading that reads: In each scenario. Beneath it reads: Either 1) Locate the link in the library’s database or freely online, or 2) Request publisher permission.

Below this sentence is another subheading which reads: Note:. Beneath it reads: While copyright law allows for fair use for educational purposes, there are limits to the quantity and number of copies of a work that can be provided without permission. When in doubt, always link directly to the item within your Canvas course instead of posting an entire copy of the item.