Web Sites about U.S. Copyright Law
Copyright and Fair Use (Stanford University Libraries)
At first glance, this site appears to be no more than a summary of copyright law. By clicking on the red toolbar buttons at the bottom of the page, however, a user can access an extensive list of additional articles on specific copyright related topics. This site is best used as a resource for FSEHD students who want more than the basics or need more information on specific issues.
Copyright and Image Management (University of Texas System)
A basic description of copyright and issues surrounding copyright. It includes an explanation of why copyright exists and what fair use is about.
Technology, Education, Copyright and Harmonization (TEACH) Act
The TEACH Act expands the scope of educators' rights to perform and display works and to make the copies necessary for such performances and displays within digital distance education, making the rights closer to those faculty have traditionally enjoyed in face-to-face teaching. But there is still a considerable gap between what the statute authorizes for face-to-face teaching and for distance education. This site provides links to background data and discussion of TEACH and its copyright implications for educators.
[paraphrased from Georgia Harper's page Copyright Crash Course: the TEACH Act finally becomes law]
The Copyright Website
Site provides section on "Basics" as well as specific sections on audio arts, visual arts and digital arts. It is recommended that students start with the "Basic" section, which includes clear and concise description of Fair Use (policy governing when it is okay to copy.)
Grading Teachers on Copyright Law: Videotaping for the Classroom
This article originally appeared in the Nolo News. Copyright (c) Nolo Press. Classroom teachers often see television programs that they want to videotape to use in their instruction. This article provides clear guidelines specifically for teachers to follow in videotaping television programs for classroom use. The site also provides a brief and realistic explanation of the potential consequences to educators who violate copyright law in their classroom use of videotapes.
Groton Public Schools Copyright Implementation Manual
Intended for use by teachers in Groton (CT) Public Schools, this site provides thorough explanation of copyright laws as pertains to educators. Site includes sections specific to multimedia, music, off-air videotaping, the Internet, and computer software.
Library of Congress Copyright Basics
Starts with a short overview of what copyright is and provides specifics on what types of materials may be copyrighted, who can claim a copyright, and how to go about registering a copyright. For the purposes of the FSEHD Technology Competency Requirement, it is recommended that you read "What Is Copyright?" and then select any other sections that may be of interest to you.