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The issues of Copyright and Intellectual Property can be complex and problematic for instructors. Not only should faculty be concerned with the proper use of Copyright protected works in physical environments, they must also be aware of Fair Use guidelines as applied in the creation and use in online environments. With the passage of the TEACH Act (Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act) in November 2002, clarification was given as to how Copyright protected works could be used in Distance Education. The TEACH Act should be considered an “extension” or “revision” of Copyright law.

There are numerous sites that can provide answers to questions about Copyright and the TEACH Act. The sites listed below have been authored by individuals or groups with expertise in this area of law. You are not alone.

• USG Regents Guide to Understanding Copyright & Educational Fair Use
• USG Regents Guide to Understanding the TEACH Act
• American Library Association New Copyright Law for Distance Education: the Meaning and Importance of the TEACH Act. Dr. Kenneth Crews, Director of Copyright Management Center , Indiana University School of Law.

This document provides legislative background information, the benefits of the TEACH Act, the responsibilities of Institutional policy makers, faculty, and information technology officials.

• Cornell’s Legal Information Institute
• Copyright & Fair Use – Stanford University Libraries
• University of Texas System – Crash Course in Copyright Georgia Harper. UT-System
• Balancing Copyright Concerns: the TEACH Act of 2001. Laura Gasaway, Professor of Law, Director of University of North Carolina Law Library
• TEACH Act Toolkit
• Copyright Clearance Center
• Timeline: History of Copyright in the U.S.