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Copyright, Fair Use, & Plagiarism for Faculty

MWCC makes every effort to assure the accuracy of the information in this guide, but does not offer it as counsel or legal advice. Consult your own attorney for advice concerning your specific situation.

Fair Use

Fair Use is an exemption that allows for limited use of copyrighted materials for educational purposes.

Public Performance Rights

Most commercial audiovisual works are protected by copyright. Fair use permits showing copyrighted DVDs or other media, including films in the FILMS ON DEMAND database within FACE-TO-FACE CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION or for individual use.

It is necessary to obtain permission from the copyright holder to show any DVD to an audience outside face-to-face classroom instruction.The Library has purchased public performance rights for a few of the DVDs in the Library's collection. If you have any questions, please ask a librarian!

Fair Use & Copyrights

When might you be allowed to use some video, images and music under the rules of fair use and copyright law?

TEACH Act

The TEACH Act allows for some use of copyrighted materials for distance education.

A Fair(y) Use Tale

Obtaining Permissions

Resources that will help you obtain permission to use copyrighted works.

Fair Use Evaluator

Please CONTACT US if you have questions.