Copyright

Watch this brief video to see how the fair use factors apply in real teaching situations.

Here are sample classroom situations to help you think through fair use in practice.

• 📖 Posting a book chapter in Canvas: Likely okay if it's a small portion, directly tied to course outcomes, and doesn’t replace a textbook.


• 🎥 Streaming a full documentary: Risky unless licensed—consider linking from a database or contacting the library.


• 🖼 Using images in a lecture slide: Likely fair use for in-class teaching, especially if not redistributed.


• 🎵 Sharing a song recording for analysis: Short clips used for commentary or teaching may qualify under fair use.


• 📑 Uploading a journal article PDF repeatedly: Repeated use may require permission or licensing. Consider using a stable link instead.

💡 Tip: Document your thinking using the University of Arkansas Fair Use Checklist (PDF), which is officially recognized in NWACC’s copyright procedures.