When do you have to ask permission to copy?
You must always have permission to copy, distribute, modify, perform or display a copyrighted work unless an exception has been made in the Copyright Law or in an amendment. The Copyright Law allows Afair use@ [http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html] of materials without permission of the copyright holder. To help you with this concept, there is a nice Checklist for Fair Use [http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/checklist.html] from the Copyright Management Center at IUPUI.
Basically, the four factors to consider in determining is a use is fair or not are:
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act deals with digital copies, especially those disseminated over the Internet.
The Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) Act of 2001 governs performances and uses of audiovisual materials in distance learning situations. Distance learning would include the use of Angel for teaching and learning in addition to classroom activities.
How do you request permission to copy?
Online articles. You may be able to avoid copying altogether if the item you want your students to read is available online.
Direct contact. If the item for your students is not available online, then you must contact the publisher or author directly. Start with the publisher=s website where they often have an address and instructions for requesting copyright permission. If there are no instructions, you are welcome to use this sample letter to make sure that you supply the information that is needed by the publisher or author.
Revised 8/9/13