Subject Guide for Copyright
Books and Web sites to help with the basics of copyright; how to register and how to use works
Web Sites
| Title | U.S. Copyright Office |
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| URL | |
| Description | The one and only place, besides the library, to get the forms and instructions to file for copyright. Also includes a searchable database of registered copyrights. |
| Title | Crash Course in Copyright |
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| URL | http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/cprtindx.htm#top |
| Description | From the University of Texas, a user-friendly online course in copyright. What is fair use? When is my stuff protected? Etc. |
| Title | The Copyright Primer |
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| URL | |
| Description | This site provides an interactive tutorial of basic principles, use and access parameters and requirements for copyright protection. |
| Title | Legal Information Institute |
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| URL | |
| Description | For those who want a quick link to the actual written law, go to LII, a wonderful resource sponsored by Cornell Law. |
| Title | Center for the Public Domain |
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| URL | |
| Description | Find out the definition and the importance of public domain plus a wealth of links to public domain sites, intellectual property articles, and definitions of concepts in this often nebulous area. |
| Title | When Works Pass into Public Domain |
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| URL | |
| Description | A nice cheat-sheet for determining if a work has passed into public domain. |
| Title | Songs in Public Domain |
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| URL | |
| Description | Search here for songs in public domain as well as info on proving public domain. |
| Title | Guide to Educational Fair Use |
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| URL | |
| Description | Published online by the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, it addresses many aspects of educational and classroom fair use. |
| Title | Copyright Chart |
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| URL | |
| Description | This is a great chart for all types of work and when a work passes into public domain. |
Books
| Title | |
|---|---|
| Author | Lee Wilson |
| Call Number | 346.730482 W695c 2003 |
| Description | Geared more to protecting your intellectual property, this guide provides good advice as well as legal forms one can use to licence works. |
| Title | |
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| Author | L. Ray Patterson & Stanley W. Lindberg |
| Call Number | 346.730482 P277n 1991 |
| Description | This book is more for users, but also covers the history of copyright nicely. |
| Title | |
|---|---|
| Author | Carrie Russell |
| Call Number | 346.730482 C738 2004 |
| Description | This book is designed for librarians, but is simply the best resource for anyone who is: seeking permission to use; clicking yes to an online license; or teaching others about copyright. |
| Title | |
|---|---|
| Author | Stephen Fishman |
| Call Number | 346.730482 F539c 2003 |
| Description | A Nolo title, this book is a must for anyone wanting to use or protect written works. |
| Title | Copy Fights: The future of intellectual property in the information age |
|---|---|
| Author | Adam Thierer and Wayne Crews |
| Call Number | 346.73048 C792 2002 |
| Description | Fascinating reading about all of the current intellectual property debates arising in the digital age. |
| Title | The Public Domain: How to find copyright-free writings, music, art & more |
|---|---|
| Author | Stephen Fishman |
| Call Number | 346.730482 F539p 2001 |
| Description | How to find works to use legally with no strings attached. |
| Title | |
|---|---|
| Author | Mark Warda |
| Call Number | 346.730482 W219h 2000 |
| Description | A step-by-step guide to registration of copyright. |
| Title | |
|---|---|
| Author | Tad Crawford & Kay Murray |
| Call Number | 346.730482 C859w 2002 |
| Description | While this book contains more information than just copyright, the first six chapters cover everything a writer needs to know about copyright. |
Pathfinders
| Title | Music Library Association Explanation of Fair Use |
|---|---|
| URL | |
| Description | Very clear guidelines on "fair use." |