Research Guides: Copyright: Home

Custom Copyright Web Search

A customized search engine for finding answers to your copyright questions. It searches pre-selected, reliable web sites with information on nearly all aspects of copyright: Copyright Search

Copyright Checklists

Fair Use Checklist
A reliable list of considerations for determining Fair Use.
"Can I Use That?" tool
An attractive, interactive, and educational tool

Public Domain

When Works Pass Into the Public Domain
Classic source of when-it-expires information
Is It Protected By Copyright?
A useful sliding digital display with yes, no, and maybe indicators of copyright status.

Best Practice Statements

Best Practices
Interpretations of Fair Use to support common practices in a variety of creative fields

Copyright Basics

Copyright Crash Course (UT)
Written for faculty at a major university. Entertaining and thorough.

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This site is seen as a classic in the field of copyright training.
U.S. Copyright Office
The original source of a lot of copyright information. Look under "Circulars and Brochures" for many good, concise readings.

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Information about copyright law basics, as well as for different formats (music, film, etc.) and registering copyright for new creations.
Stanford Copyright & Fair Use
Provides updates, articles, blogs, and loads of background information needed for understanding copyright.

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Appropriate for the slightly more advanced researcher.
A Brief Intro to Copyright
Brief overview of copyright basics, not including Fair Use. Especially good for students.

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Great for student assignments along with the "10 biggest myths" reading.
Copyright For The Rest Of Us
For those who want to teach or learn more about American copyright law, Copyright For The Rest Of Us is the book to use. Eleven chapters, with illustrations, outline concepts such as basic copyright law, where to find it, and how to apply copyright law in many common situations.

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Each chapter includes a set of scenarios or discussion questions for use on your own or in class. Many chapters, such as “Music and Copyright” can be used on their own. Copyright For The Rest Of Us is licensed under a Creative Commons license, so students or instructors may read, download, or print no charge.
Trademark vs. Copyright
A quick guide to these two concepts (Thank you to Alex, who suggested it)
Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
A guide for paralegals in training.

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's ideas, words, or information as your own. It can be intentional or accidental, very brief or very long. The following site helps to understand and avoid committing plagiarism.

What is plagiarism?
A handy guide from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Drake Copyright Policy

Librarian

Marcia Keyser

Email Me

Contact:

515-271-3989

Getting Permission

Permissions Guide
Columbia University's Copyright Advisory Office provides a superb guide to knowing when and how to seek permission. Includes many formats - music, drama, film, software, etc, under the "Collective Licensing Agencies" link.
Copyright Clearance Center
The primary rights-management organization for the US. Most types of permissions for text-based content for institutions and some individuals are available here.

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Several pages of copyright education materials are available, with a slight slant towards seeking permission

Cowles Library

Copyright: Home