Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines at UTSA

UTSA has added the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) annual license to the web of rights used to manage copyright infringement risk. This license permits UTSA to use certain text-based materials, such as single book chapters and journal articles, in online courses. Ask your librarian for details.

Public domain refers to creative works that are not protected by any type of intellectual property law, including copyright. These could be works whose copyright has expired or that never had copyright protection to begin with.

Can I ...

Distribute printed HANDOUTS to my students in the classroom?

Yes. Through the additional rights the university licenses, you can distribute single book chapters and journal articles in your classroom. Ask your librarian for details.

Guidelines for using printed sheet music in the classroom are detailed in Copyright Circular 21, pages 7-8.

Show a FILM or TV PROGRAM in the classroom?

Yes. Under Section 110(1) of copyright law, you can show a film that you or the library purchased in your classroom.

Show a FILM outside of class on campus?

Yes, if it is in person and for teaching purposes. The professor must be present, and class discussion must follow.

Yes, for training purposes, if the university obtains public performance rights (PPR).

For non-UTSA audiences on campus, if the university obtains screening rights and no admission is charged.

Include copyrighted IMAGES in lecture slides I display in the classroom?

Yes.