The Library provides assistance to UAMS faculty, staff, and students with the use of copyrighted materials created by others. Faculty in the Education & Research Services Department of the Library are available to assist with individual and group copyright questions and to provide presentations on copyright issues. Harold Evans, Associate Vice President Legal and Research at the University of Arkansas System, works with UAMS when legal interpretations are needed. 

It is important to know the basics of copyright and comply with copyright laws. In so doing, one not only respects the rights of copyright owners, but they also protect themselves from facing civil or criminal penalties for copyright infringement. 

However, it is also important that educators be able to disseminate useful information. After all, copyright protection is intended to promote progress and learning, not hinder it. In this guide we will provide you with information and resources on: copyright basics, determining what material you can use for teaching, and exemptions to copyright law especially relevant for educators. Access each section of the Copyright guide using the grey navigation bar on the left. 

In addition to the resources provided in the Library's Copyright Guide, we also recommend the Teaching Resources on Copyright provided by the UAMS Office of Educational Developmental. Their page includes links to additional useful resources on copyright for instructors and an excellent Seven Copyright Best Practices for Online Teaching guide. 

Full PDF of the above chart is available below for viewing and download. PDF includes links to various sections. The rest of this Library Copyright Guide discusses the different scenarios in the flowchart.