Teaching Scenario:

• Scenario 1
• Scenario 2
• Scenario 3
• Scenario 4

Scenario 1:

I copied an article to use in class and found it very helpful. I’ve decided to give students a copy of the article next semester. Is this still considered fair use?

Answer: Under Fair Use you may make a single copy of the article to use in class. For additional copies, you would need to seek permission from the publisher of the article. The Copyright Clearance Center may be able to help you with this permission.

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Scenario 2:

I found the perfect cartoon to use in my classroom. Do I need permission to make a single copy?

Answer: No. you may make a single copy of a cartoon to use in class. However, if you were using the cartoon in a paid training session, you would be infringing on a copyright.

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Scenario 3:

I want to share a story of approximately 2,000 words with my students. May I make multiple copies for distribution in class?

Answer: There is a four-part test for deciding if you can make multiple copies of works for distribution to students: brevity, spontaneity, cumulative effect, and notice.

Brevity: You may make multiple copies of a story if it is less than 2,500 words. For an excerpt from a longer work not more than 1,000 words or 10% of the work, whichever is less, but at least 500 words, may be copied.

Spontaneity: Copying is inspired by the teacher. Also if the decision to use the work and the time of its use are so close in time that it would be unreasonable to expect a timely reply to a request for permission.

Cumulative Effect: Copying is for one course (may be for multiple sections of a course). Not more than one article, short poem, story, essay, or two excerpts from the same author, nor more than 3 from the same collective work or periodical volume during a single class term. Not more than 9 instances of multiple copying for one class per term.

Notice: Must include original notice of copyright on each copy.

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Scenario 4: