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Note: The Understanding Copyright tab you are vewing will be phased out on August 31, 2022. Instead, use our Copyright and Public Domain Guide athttps://libguides.wmich.edu/publicdomain.
Fair use balances authors' rights with educational needs.
Fair use does not grant unrestricted use of information
Fair use must satisfy the four fair use factors and typically can only be applied one time for a particular copyrighted work.
If fair use does not apply, then permission must be requested.
Downloading
You may download specific for teaching, learning, and research from WMU Libraries
You may not systematically download or print substantial portions of databases or online books, create derivative products, obscure or modify copyright notices, or share content with non-WMU users without permission from the copyright holder.
Posting Information Online
Electronic resources available through the WMU Libraries is typically restricted to current WMU students, faculty, and staff.
Do not post a full-text copy on the open Web.
Appropriate ways to provide access to electronic materials include
This collection of "Charts and Tools" provides helpful step-by-step guidance on copyright issues including fair use, classroom use, digital images, etc.