There is more than one way to utilize another's work. It can be referred to, quoted, or presented in its original form, such as in videos or songs. When using the work is being used in portions, in its entirity, and/or its original form permission must be granted. This is much easier said than done, though.
Therefore, as there are exceptions to every rule. This exception is the Fair Use Policy, and it was put in place in order to ease the burden of obtaining permission for all use of work. Simply put the Fair Use Policy states that there are times when one person can fairly use another person's work without infringing upon the owner's rights to it. These such situations are things like newscasts, school reports, teacher's lessons, etc. Basically situations in which the user is not gaining any money from the use of the work.
While the lines of fair use are not clear and there are no specific numbers of words or set amount of time someone can use and have it still be fair, the basic guidelines are to take as little as possible and be "fair". Plus, it is important to always document the original creator and where the work was obtained. While documentation is no substitiution for actual permission, it shows that the work was created by another individual.
Find and review the Fair Use Guidelines. Once you have read over the guidlines list the titles of the six sections and summarize how each of them affects students.
Created by Gayle Taylor
Last Updated August 8, 2007