Copyright is a legal protection granted to the creators of original works of authorship, such as books, music, films, software, and art, giving them exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and license their work for a certain period of time.
In the U.S., copyright is automatically granted when a qualifying work is fixed in a tangible medium of expression (like writing it down or recording it). It does not protect ideas, facts, or methods, only the specific way they are expressed.
This guide is designed to share information on copyright and fair use in an educational setting and provide guidance on finding and using materials in online, hybrid, and in-person courses.
