Copyright Support and Issues  Tags: copyright intellectual property  

Under the direction of the Office of the General Counsel, and in compliance with Caltech policies, the Caltech library Staff can and will assist faculty, students and staff in the following areas of copyright issues.

1. Fair-Use  Library staff will explain the basis for the fair use copyright exemption, and provide advice regarding whether a certain planned use is fair-use or not.

2. Classroom copying and coursepacks  Library staff will explain the basis for the ability to copy material for use in the classroom, and will provide advice regarding the need for permission for planned classroom use.

3. Permissions  Library staff can provide the following services:

a. How to phrase a permission request of a copyright-holder.

b. What address or contact to use for requesting permission.

c. Author’s rights: Library staff will advise authors regarding copyright transfer agreements and how such agreements affect access to the scholarly archive.

In providing these services, it is understood that the individual user is responsible for any infringement. As representatives of the Institute, Library staff aim to minimize the Institute's exposure. The Office of the General Counsel is the final authority.

For more information on copyright, please see the Institute's Copyright Tutorial.