Copyright is complex and can be confusing.  When and how to seek permission are the most frequently asked questions regarding copyright. With this guide, we hope to help students explore common copyright issues.  Here you will find library resources, fair use analysis tools, information on file sharing, plagiarism, and where to get help.  Please use this guide as a helpful resource during your time at the University of Iowa!

What is copyright?
Copyright is a bundle of rights

The right to reproduce the work
The right to distribute the work
The right to prepare derivative works
The right to perform the work
The right to display the work

Copyrighted material can be used in teaching and research under any of the following conditions:

1. The work in question is in the public domain.
2. Permission has been granted by the copyright owner or through some other means such as a negotiated license agreement (such as those negotiated with publishers by the University Libraries or the Copyright Clearance Center.)
3. The use falls within the four “fair use” factors as defined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C or falls under an educational use exemption as defined in Section 100 and as amended by the TEACH Act.

Visit the U.S. Copyright Office web site for more basics and FAQs.

• United States Government Information
• Research Paper Resources
• Images and Pictures

This video was produced by Copyright Clearance Center. For more information, visit www.copyright.com.

This guide was created by Julie Zimmerman.  Enhanced and maintained by Karen Fischer.