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Top 5 Library FAQ's:
Copyright Resources
Copyright is a complex topic, but the resources linked below will help you navigate what you need to know about copyright as a graduate student.
- Introduction to CopyrightPresentation given by an MTU librarian about copyright. See the bottom of page 5 for the beginning of the section on thesis and dissertation documentation.
- Copyright HelpResources from the Van Pelt & Opie Library at Michigan Tech on using copyrighted materials.
- Copyright Law and Graduate ResearchAn extensive guide to copyright law for graduate students from ProQuest.
- How to Use Copyrighted MaterialsA guide from the MTU Graduate School.
Fair Use
The "Fair Use" principle allows users to reproduce small parts of a copyrighted work for the purposes of education, commentary, criticism, or parody.
There are four factors to consider when deciding if your use of material falls under Fair Use:
1) The purpose of your use. Use of copyrighted material should be transformative (i.e. used to create something new) in order to fall under Fair Use. For example, quoting a small portion of a work and then providing criticism, commentary, or analysis falls under Fair Use.
2) Nature of the original work. Factual information is more likely to be covered under Fair Use than creative content.
3) Amount of the original work used. There are no specific rules here, but the smaller the portion of the work you use, the more likely it will fall under Fair Use.
4) Effect of the use on the market of the work. Is your use of the copyrighted work depriving its creator of income or otherwise undermining the market for the work?
When planning for your thesis or dissertation, consider whether your use of copyrighted works in your writing falls under Fair Use. If you're not sure, schedule a consultation with a librarian. Check out the resources linked below for more information on Fair Use.
- Fair Use EvaluatorUse this online tool to determine whether your use of a copyrighted work falls under Fair Use. NOTE: this site provides guidance only, and cannot give legal advice or predict court outcomes.
- Purdue Fair Use OverviewFrom the Purdue Online Writing Lab, this site provides additional information and guidelines on Fair Use.
- Stanford Fair Use SiteExtensive overview of Fair Use from Stanford University.
Electronic Resources Policy
The following table includes some guidelines to keep in mind when using electronic resources accessed through the Library. You can view the full Electronic Resources Policy by clicking the link below.
| USUALLY OK | USUALLY NOT OK |
| making limited print or electronic copies |
systematic or substantial printing, copying or |
| using for personal, instructional or research needs | selling or re-distributing content, or providing to an outside employer |
| sharing with MTU faculty, staff and students | sharing with people other than MTU faculty, staff and students |
| posting links to specific content |
posting actual content or articles to websites |
- Electronic Resources PolicyDescribes allowable uses of the library's electronic resources. Each user is responsible for ensuring that their use of electronic resources complies with the policy.