LibGuides: Intellectual Freedom Resources: Copyright

Copyright Explained

The Use of Labeling and Rating Systems

Librarians employ objective professional judgment through selection, cataloging, classification, and readers' services to make available the information that library users want or need. Cataloging decisions, labels, or ratings applied in an attempt to restrict or discourage access to materials or to suggest moral or doctrinal endorsement is a violation of the First Amendment and the Library Bill of Rights [Labels and Rating Systems: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights].

Copyright Tools

How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a Work
The US Copyright Office provides guidance on how to investigate whether any type of work is under copyright protection, and if so, the facts of the copyright.
Public Domain Slider
The Public Domain Slider is a tool to help determine the copyright status of a work that is first published in the United States. Most of us know that any work published before 1923 is in the public domain, but the copyright status for copyrighted works after 1923 can be difficult to determine because of varying copyright registration requirements over the years and because the term of copyright has changed a number of times.
Copyright Term and the Public Domain
Determining what is or isn't in the public domain can be a complicated and lengthy process. However, the chart below is provided to help guide you through some of the labyrinthine rules of US copyright.
Section 108 Spinner
Section 108 of the U.S. Copyright Code allows libraries & archives, under certain circumstances, to make reproductions of copyrighted materials without the permission of the copyright holder. This simple tool can help you determine whether or not a particular reproduction is covered by this exemption.
Exceptions for Instructors eTool
The Exceptions for Instructors eTool guides users through the educational exceptions in U.S. copyright law, helping to explain and clarify rights and responsibilities for the performance and display of copyrighted content in traditional, distance and blended educational models.
Copyright Catalog (U.S. Copyright Office)
Search for and view copyright registration records for titles registered since 1978.
Copyright Genie
A tool that allows you to answer questions about a specific title in order to help you find out whether or not it is covered by U.S. copyright.

Movie Licenses

Some Guidelines for Libraries Advertising a Movie
Advertising your Public Performance Movies legally can be both challenging and
rewarding, but with a little creativity, can add value to your library’s programs.

Understanding Fair Use

Fair Use

What is Fair Use?
Fair use is a doctrine in the law of the United States that permits limited use of copyrighted material without having to first acquire permission from the copyright holder.
Four Factor Test
Guide to the four fair use factors.

Intellectual Freedom Resources: Copyright