To provide information about potential legal problems that might arise from using and distributing instructional materials and designing activities for Internet-based instruction, this article analyzes court cases and decisions relating to course packets; illustrations and figures; learning activities; video, sound and graphic images; and…

This book is an attempt to express rudimentary "first principles" in the application of democratic values to some of the most pressing issues inherent in the advent of a new information society. Its purpose is not to advance any particular political slant, but rather, to incorporate a balance of democratic values--libertarian,…

Under the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" exemption places a limit on the exclusive rights of copyright owners to promote free speech, learning, scholarly research and open discussion. The Consortium of College and University Media Centers (CCUMC) convened a diverse group of interested parties to draft guidelines which would provide…

Presents a letter that illustrates the problems and issues that arise when educators reproduce copyright material for classroom dissemination. Indicates the present state of legal confusion that exists in this area. (GS)

Discusses the views of educators, librarians, and publishers concerning the library photocopying provision of a copyright bill pending before the House of Representatives. Objections have been raised against a section which prohibits concerted reproduction of multiple copies of a work and systematic copying and distribution of single or multiple…

Briefly discusses proposed changes in the copyright laws as they apply to educators. Includes an explanation of the "fair use" doctrine and gives examples of common copyright violations by educators. (JG)

Designed to provide guidance for librarians, this publication expresses the opinion of the legal counsel of the American Library Association (ALA) regarding library and classroom use of copyrighted videotapes and computer programs. A discussion of videotapes considers the impact of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 on in-classroom use, in-library…

Designed to simulate a Senate committee hearing on software copyright laws, this role-playing game exposes students to a wide variety of viewpoints about software copying, including piracy. The game is structured to bring out as many points of view as possible; the goal of the simulation is exposure to these various points, not the final committee…

This hearing addressed three major issues: How should copyright law respond to technological change? Should copyright law accommodate changes initiated outside the law, or attempt to delay change by preserving existing rights? and How should the legal dividing lines be drawn between the sometimes competing demands of consumer and proprietor?…

This circular details the methods for investigating whether a work is under copyright protection, and, if so, the facts of the copyright. Both in-person searches at the Copyright Office and searches by the Copyright Office staff for a $10.00 per hour fee are detailed. The circular also explains the effect of the Copyright Act of 1976, which…

Computer software, which often takes years to produce, is currently being copied and used illegally in school settings. This violation of the law has many repercussions within the academic community. In this discussion, several court cases dealing with this situation are emphasized. It is also noted that the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment…

Music educators are informed of the applications of the 1976 revision of the United States copyright law to the use of sheet music, audiovisual recordings, and dramatic and choreographic works. Material is divided into five sections. Section 1 outlines the primary rights of copyright holders with regard to phonorecords, derivative works,…

Presented in question-and-answer format, the fact sheet provides educators with general information on photocopying and offset printing processes and offers specific tips for saving money on printing and reproduction. The first section addresses the use of photocopying, describes instances when photocopying is most economic, and discusses…

This monograph synthesizes the laws and regulations that form the basis of the right to representation in the court of public opinion by all who would seek to influence public and private decisions. It expresses the framework of human and social values that underlie this constitutional freedom and that give public relations and other management…

Focusing on issues surrounding the unauthorized copying of software, this pamphlet is particularly concerned with the illegality of such action and the necessity for educators to respect the intellectual work and property of others. Some relevant facts about unauthorized copying of software are followed by a statement of principle about…