AR 3750: Use of Copyrighted Material

The college expects employees and students to observe federal law regarding the use of copyrighted material. The “fair use” doctrine permits limited use of copyrighted materials in certain situations, including teaching and scholarship. The Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) Act amends Sections 110(2) and 112 of the Copyright Act of 1976 to give instructors at accredited nonprofit educational institutions greater flexibility to use third-party copyrighted works in online course delivery. College employees or students who willfully disregard the copyright law and TEACH Act do so at their own risk and assume liability.

Removal of Materials in Violation of Copyright

Information technology will remove or disable materials on its domain that are identified as violating copyright by the copyright owner or their agent, and will make reasonable efforts to notify the employees or students responsible for the posting of such materials.

Obtaining Permission to Use Copyrighted Material

The Mt. Hood Community College Library subscribes to many proprietary databases and information services. Certain copyright restrictions, such as making multiple print copies, may still be in effect. College librarians are available to assist in locating and linking to material in subscription databases that are already licensed for college use and can answer any copyright questions you may have.

For the use of copyrighted materials that do not fall under fair use, permission to use the material must be obtained from the copyright holder. Permission can generally be acquired via the Copyright Clearance Center (copyright.com). There are fees associated with this service.

Approved: 8/27/92

Revised: 10/4/16, 8/29/23

References: U. S. Code Title 17, Copyright Act of 1976;
The TEACH (Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization) Act;
U.S. Code 17, Copyright Act, Sections 110(2) and 112
Basic Books, Inc. v. Kinko's Graphics Corp. (S.D.N.Y. 1991) 758 F.Supp. 1522; and Princeton University Press v. Michigan Document Services, Inc. (6th Cir. 1996) F.3d 1381