This guide is designed to help faculty and staff make informed decisions about using copyrighted materials in teaching. It includes clear explanations, practical tips, and links to resources and policies. The Library is here to support you every step of the way.
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.
Know exactly what you can and can't do with CC-licensed works.
Find Royalty-Free & Public Domain Resources
Discover high-quality content you can legally reuse, remix, or share freely.
Quick reference tools, videos, and readings for deeper understanding.
💡 Need to verify a work’s copyright status? Check out our tools.
You’re not alone. Many instructors ask:
For quick, reliable answers, explore:
Need help applying copyright in your course? The Library and Digital Learning teams are here to assist. We offer personalized support, resource linking, and one-on-one consultations.
This work by Northwest Arkansas Community College, Pauline Whitaker Library is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.