Copyright
Explore Copyright Basics
These pages introduce key copyright rules you’ll encounter as an educator at NWACC, what counts as copyright, what’s fair use, and what U.S. law requires. Each topic is explained in plain language, with examples and links to more in-depth resources.
💡 Tip: Start here if you’re unsure how copyright applies to your teaching or content sharing.
Jump to Key Topics
These pages explain the foundational rules and concepts behind copyright in an educational setting. Each link leads to a brief, focused explanation with examples and practical notes.
Learn what copyright protects, how long it lasts, and how it applies to teaching materials. (Includes seven focused subtopics.)
Understand how to apply the four-factor fair use test in an academic setting.
Understand how copyright applies to in-person and online instruction,.
Learn how to seek permission or licensing for classroom materials.
Explore Open Content
Using content that is openly licensed or already in the public domain can help you avoid many copyright concerns. These resources give you more flexibility to share, adapt, and reuse materials in your teaching.
Public Domain & Royalty-Free Resources
Find content that is free to use and requires no permission.
Use works that come with built-in permissions—just follow the license rules.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Discover free, adaptable teaching materials shared by educators worldwide.
💡 Tip: Looking for flexible teaching content? OER and open access materials are a great place to start.
Ask for Help
Still unsure about copyright, fair use, or linking to content in Canvas? You’re not alone. Many instructors ask:
- What does copyright protect?
- How do I know if something is in the public domain?
- Isn’t all educational use fair use?
- How long does copyright last?
The Library and Digital Learning teams are here to help. We can:
- Walk you through fair use or TEACH Act criteria
- Help you find copyright-friendly content
- Point you to NWACC’s licensed resources
💡 Tip: Ask early, especially when preparing online course content.
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U.S. Copyright Office FAQBrowse official answers to frequently asked questions about copyright, including what it covers, how long it lasts, and what ‘fair use’ really means.
Review Policies & Professional Perspectives
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NorthWest Arkansas Community College Copyright PolicyReview the College’s official stance on copyright and intellectual property.
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ALA Statement on CopyrightLearn how copyright shapes library services and supports user rights.
Credits
This work by Northwest Arkansas Community College, Pauline Whitaker Library is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.