# The Sheridan Libraries

**Source**: https://guides.library.jhu.edu/copyright
**Parent**: https://www.library.jhu.edu//library-services/electronic-theses-dissertations/

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# Copyright

Copyright basics for instructors, authors, and students.

- [Copyright Home](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/copyright/home)
- [Teaching](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/copyright/teaching "Copyright issues associated with creating and using materials for teaching in-person or online")
- [Publishing Your Work](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/copyright/publishing "Copyright issues associated with creating a work for publication")
- [Using Others' Work](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/copyright/using-others-work "How to legally use content created by other authors in your work.")
- [Public Performance of Films](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/copyright/public-performance)

## Notice

- This page is offered for informational purposes only.

- The contents of this page do not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion
- The information resources listed here have been compiled from a variety of sources

## Getting Started

This guide is intended as an introduction to copyright for faculty and students. Understanding copyright and what it means for you is more important than ever as both technology and the law change.

A common pitfall is to assume that because we are part of a university, all of our information use falls under Fair Use or education exemptions. It's important to understand that this is not always the case.

Please reach out with your copyright questions to [copyright@jhu.edu](mailto:copyright@jhu.edu)

If you have questions about scholarly communications, publishing, open access, or how the library can support your scholarly work, please email [scholcomm@jh.edu](mailto:scholcomm@jh.edu).

- [Copyright Essentials for Higher Education Tip Sheet](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/ld.php?content_id=82445147)

  Put out by the Copyright Clearance Center, this tip sheet examines how faculty can incorporate copyrighted items into their classes.

## More Information

- [What Is Copyright?](#s-lib-ctab-15641953-0)
- [JHU Copyright Info](#s-lib-ctab-15641953-1)
- [Copyright Basics](#s-lib-ctab-15641953-2)

Copyright protects the [tangible form of expression](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102) created by an author. These forms of expression include text, art of all kinds, film, sound, and architectural works. Ideas, processes, and facts are not protected by copyright. Works created by the U.S. federal government are not protected by copyright.

Copyright law gives authors certain [exclusive rights](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/106). Authors can keep these rights, share them with others, or give them away. Sharing and giving away these rights happens through the use of licenses and contracts. These rights include

- Making copies of the work, which includes photocopies and digital copies
- Publishing copies or electronically distributing the work
- Publicly performing or displaying the work
- Preparing derivative works (like translations or scripts based on books)

- [JHU Copyright Compliance Policy](https://www.jhu.edu/assets/uploads/2016/11/compliance_policy.pdf)

  JHU's policy and plans related to copyright
- [Using Images: Copyright Issues](http://guides.library.jhu.edu/content.php?pid=69627&sid=780431)

  An excellent overview about finding and using images in academic coursework and assignments.
- [Copyright & Course Reserves](https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-services/course-readings/)

  Sheridan Libraries Reserves Unit offers information about their services.

- [Basics of Copyright (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svvQrC28Aqg)

  Sara Benson, Copyright librarian and lawyer at University of Illinois provides short overview of copyright with a nod to openness.
- [Copyright FAQ](https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/index.html)

  The Library of Congress U.S. Copyright Office provides a copyright FAQ.
- [CCC Copyright Basics (video)](https://www.copyright.com/resource-library/videos/copyright-basics/)

  A description of copyright from the Copyright Clearance Center, without mention of Creative Commons.
- [Know Your Copyrights](https://www.arl.org/know-your-copyrights/)

  The Association of Research Libraries provides background information on many aspects of copyright, including lots of info about fair use.

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- [**Next:** Teaching >>](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/copyright/teaching)