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Copyright 101

Answers to common copyright questions asked by librarians and faculty

Do I Need Permission to Use?

When deciding if you need permission to use a work, do the following:

  1. Determine the work's copyright status (is it currently copyrighted, licensed by Creative Commons, public domain/uncopyrighted) - if it has a CC license or is not covered by copyright, provide appropriate attribution and proceed.
  2. If the work is still covered by copyright, check if it is available through RightFind, Calvin's Annual Copyright License - if it is, provide proper attribution and proceed.
  3. If the work is not available through RightFind, do a fair use analysis - if you believe your use is fair, provide proper attribution and proceed.
  4. If your use is not fair, determine the copyright holder and request permission in order to proceed.

Tips for Locating a Creator

  • Do a general web search using the rights holder's name to find contact information
  • Check the publisher's page; it may have copyright permission web pages with email addresses and request forms
  • Check for available registration records through the online catalog of the U.S. Copyright Office for contact information
  • Use Twitter to locate and connect with the creator
  • Use WATCH (Writers, Artists, and Their Copyright Holders) or Firms Out of Business.
  • Contact your liaison librarian at Hekman Library for more help