Q. How can I use copyrighted materials in my own works and obey copyright law?

In using copyrighted material the only way to use copyrighted material legaly is to 1) get permission (licensing) from the copyright holder (not always the author/creator/artists) or 2) under fair use if it applies. To learn more about fair use, see the links below. If your use does not meet the requirements to be a fair use, then permission or licensing must be sought.

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If you are creating Open Educational Resources and need help using copyrighted material in your OER work, your library liaison may be able to point you in the right direction or check out these other FAQs. You can also find librarian contact information through the library staff directory. 

(!) Keep in mind the options for how you can incorporate the use of the copyrighted material without copying or republishing it. Sometimes simply linking to the content wihtin your OER textbook or work is the best way if you don't need to remix it or publish it in a new format. Or, remember that standard eReserves might be the better solution rather than copying/republishing the copyrighted material in your OER. OER is not intended to take the place of eReserves, which are already an affordable way for students to access course readings.

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