Copyright law grants important exemptions that are specifically designed for nonprofit higher educational institutions and libraries. Three provisions of the copyright statute are of particular importance to teachers and researchers:

• Public display and performance of copyrighted works in the classroom or in an online teaching environment is covered under Section 110 of US Copyright Law.
• Special exemptions for the reproduction of copyrighted works by libraries and archives is covered under Section 108 of US Copyright Law.
• Fair Use of copyrighted materials for the purpose of analysis, criticism, commentary, parody, and teaching (including making multiple copies for classroom use) is covered by Section 107 of US Copyright Law.  

Online Instruction

There are some special provisions in Copyright Law that apply to online instruction, including sharing copyrighted materials online through learning management systems like KATIE. For more information see our page on Online Instruction and the TEACH Act.