Main menu:
Research > Researching Websites
What is Copyright?
Copyright is defined as "the exclusive right to make copies, license, and otherwise exploit a literary, musical, or artistic work, whether printed, audio, video, etc.: works granted such right by law on or after January 1, 1978, are protected for the lifetime of the author or creator and for a period of 50 years after his or her death. " (according to dictionary.com)
What does that mean?
This means that whomever created the work actually owns the only right for its use.
How do I copyright my work?
There are several ways to do this.
More on copyright
10 Copyright myths (Templeton)
Copyright myths (Jassin)
R.I.G.H.T.S. (online distribution of graphics)
What is fair use?
Fair use is the legal way to use parts of a legally obtained copyrighted (published) document or work for scholarship (educational) or review of the creator's documents or works. This also includes commentaries, parody, remixes or collages.
How do I know what is fair use?
Citation is the proper means to document the work(s) one uses in a paper, powerpoint or other work using another's work.
Generic educational guidelines (mediafestival.org) - This is not a legal site detailing the exact specifications but is a guide to help one determine fair use.
What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is the use of another person's work without acknowledging that person or taking someone else's work as if it were one's own work (illegally). This means that a person is using someone else's work without their permission and using it as if it was one's own work.
Article on plagiarism
Can I borrow someone else's words for my paper, work, creation?
The essential answer is NO. Plagiarism is an ethical decision (right or wrong) which can be considered fraud. In other words, a person is being dishonest without giving credit to the original author (creator) and can have legal problems associated with it.
However, the privilege of "FAIR USE" does provide a means in which one may "borrow" a work or parts of a work for educational purposes. One must cite the used work(s) in one's own documents, creations, etc.
How do I get around these?
You can paraphrase, summarize or quote. However, remember to cite your borrowed materials (sources).
How do I CITE my borrowed materials (sources)?
This depends on how your teacher, publisher, etc. want it to appear.
Citing sources
Other important sites to visit:
Digital Milennium Copyright Act (UCLA)
Digital Milennium Copyright Act (US Copyright office - PDF)
Educause DMCA resources
Sub-Menu: