Copyright

Fair use and library licenses cover many classroom needs. But when they don’t, requesting permission is the next best step.

Getting permission:

• ✅ Helps you use copyrighted works ethically and legally
• ✅ Reduces risk of copyright complaints or takedown requests
• ✅ Protects your course content from disruptions

Use clear, professional language when requesting permission. Include all relevant details about your use.

Your message should include:

• 📚 What content you want to use (e.g., book chapter, article, video)
• 📅 When and how long you plan to use it
• 🏫 How it will be shared (e.g., Canvas, in class)
• 👥 Who your audience is (e.g., students in one course section)

💡 Tip: If you don’t receive a response, keep a record of your request and explore other options like fair use or library resources.

If the work you want to use is not clearly marked with a license or reuse terms, you must request permission directly from the copyright holder. Here’s a sample you can adapt:

Subject: Request to use copyrighted material for educational purpose

Dear [Name or “Copyright Holder”],

I am an instructor at NorthWest Arkansas Community College. I would like to request your permission to use the following material for a course I’m teaching:

• 📄 Title of work: [Insert Title]
• 🏫 How it will be used: [e.g., shared in Canvas for a 4-week unit]
• 👥 Audience: [e.g., 25 students enrolled in ENGL 1013]
• 📅 Timeframe: [e.g., Fall 2025 semester]

Please let me know if you require additional information. Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title / Department]
NorthWest Arkansas Community College

💡 Tip: Keep a copy of your request and any replies. This shows good faith effort to comply with copyright law.

If your request is denied or ignored:

• Consider whether a smaller excerpt could qualify for Fair Use
• Replace with an open access or library-licensed alternative
• Ask the Library to help locate or request similar content

Ask us for help evaluating your options.

If you're not sure whether permission is needed, we can help you weigh your options. Sometimes, a Creative Commons license, a fair use argument, or library-provided access can save you the trouble of requesting permission.

Copyright questions can be complex, and permission requests take time. The Library is here to help!

We can help you:

• ✅ Decide if permission is needed
• ✅ Draft your request
• ✅ Find alternate sources

If you're unsure how to reach the copyright holder or what to say, the Library can also help you:

• 📝 Review or edit your draft message
• 🔍 Help identify the rights holder
• 🛑 Explore alternatives if permission is denied or unavailable

💡 Tip: Requesting permission is always a good-faith step, even if you’re unsure you’ll get a response.