By Laura Childs (Emerging Technologies Librarian) and Mariah Lewis (Metadata Management Librarian)

Copyright is confusing. With so many complicated, often archaic rules, it can be difficult to definitively answer copyright questions that you encounter in academia. But did you know that Fordham faculty members can get help with copyright at the library? In this post, we take a look at the many tools and resources that Fordham librarians have created to help faculty navigate tricky copyright issues that may arise in the course of teaching.

The following links will bring you to the resources that Fordham librarians have developed to guide you through various aspects of copyright:

✔ Copyright Research Guide
This is a librarian-curated guide to a variety of copyright topics, including suggested readings and links to information resources from across the web. Find out how to contact the library’s copyright liaisons here as well. Bookmark this page! It is continually updated with new resources.

✔ Fair Use Checklist
The Fair Use checklist can help you evaluate if your use of a copyrighted work may fall under the Fair Use exception. Keep a copy of your completed checklist. You never know when you may need a record of your justification for using a particular work. Plus, it will help you document your own process and keep track of the resources you are using.

✔ TEACH Act Checklist/Rubric
A checklist for evaluating whether your use of a copyrighted work may fall under the TEACH Act exception, specifically in the case of an online course.This can be kept as a record of your justification for using a particular work. Again, keep a copy of this checklist! Documentation is key when it comes to copyright decisions.

✔ Permissions Request and Agreement Template
This email or letter template can be customized and sent to the copyright holders of works you would like to reuse. Any agreements you send should be kept as a record of permissions granted.

✔ Fordham Libraries Copyright Analysis Form
Fill out this survey to help assess your intended use of a copyrighted work. Submit this form and a librarian will follow up with you via email with more information and helpful resources.

✔ Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act
Check here to learn about implementing the Marrakesh Treaty, an international agreement allowing certain copyright exceptions for the purpose of helping people with print disabilities to access materials.