COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Copyright protects "original works of authorship" that exist in a fixed and tangible form. Most manuscripts, sound recordings, and other archival items in our collections (except for public records held in the University Archives) are protected under United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Under the doctrine of fair use, there are various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered "fair," such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Four factors are considered in determining whether or not a particular use qualifies as "fair":

• the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for non-profit educational purposes;
• the nature of the copyrighted work;
• the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
• the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

Note that the distinction between "fair use" and infringement is not easily defined. For example, there is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be used without permission. Acknowledging the source of the copyrighted material does not substitute for obtaining permission from the copyright holder.

In most cases, the Library does not own the intellectual rights to materials in its collections. Copyright status and information about copyright holders for manuscripts and archival materials may be difficult or even impossible to determine. Whenever possible, the Manuscripts Department will provide information about copyright owners and restrictions. The Department provides this information as a service to aid researchers in determining the appropriate use of an item, but that determination ultimately rests with the researcher.

Internet Use:

If you reproduce materials held in the Manuscripts Department on the Internet, you must include the following disclaimer:

• Images, texts, transcriptions, and/or recordings reproduced in this document may be protected by copyright. Users who contemplate reproducing materials should make an effort to determine ownership and, if restricted, seek permission before reproducing them.

Please also see How to Cite Materials, and always cite materials accurately.