Copyright law restricts the use of media materials without permission of the copyright holder(s). Fair Use allows limited use of copyrighted materials for educational purposes. Media Services follows the guidelines established by the Consortium of College and University Media Centers (CCUMC) in determining whether media materials fall under Fair Use. For further information see the CCUMC Fair Use document.
If you would like further information or clarification of copyright laws call as they relate to Media Services, call Jay Orbik, Director at 815-753-6670. General information on copyright may be obtained by calling the Office of General Counsel at 815-753-8365.
Fair Use in the Classroom
Factors which are applied to determine whether use of a copyrighted work in the classroom falls under Fair Use include the following:
These factors must be considered in each case to determine whether fair use is applicable or not.
Fair Use in Online Courses
The NIU Office of General Counsel has stated that if an instructor is teaching an online course and students must use a password to access the materials, the instructor may use media materials under Fair Use in the same manner as in a regular four-walled classroom. See the NIU Policy Letter.
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