Research Guides: Copyright Law & Fair Use: TEACH Act

TEACH act

The Classroom Use Exemption (17 U.S.C. §110(1)) applies to specific situations and lists clear rights for educators, who may show or perform any work related to the curriculum, regardless of the medium. This exemption states that you must:

Be in a classroom or place similar that is for instruction
Be engaged in face-to-face, in person instruction
Be at a nonprofit education institution

The TEACH Act (17 U.S.C. §110(2)) provides for additional exemptions for those teaching during synchronous and asynchronous distance education.

Resources & Links

17 U.S. Code § 110 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Exemption of certain performances and displays
Full text of the TEACH Act.
American Library Association: Distance Education and the TEACH Act
This web resource details the legislative history of the TEACH Act and addresses the meaning and importance for this act for distance education.
Copyright Clearance Center: TEACH Act
The PDF document from the Copyright Clearance Center details the new roles, rules and responsibilities for academic institutions in relation to the TEACH Act.
Library of Congress: Exemptions for Teachers
This web resource from the Library of Congress details the specific exceptions to copyright law for teachers.
Reproduction of Copyrighted Works by Educators and Librarians
Many educators and librarians ask about the fair use and photocopying provisions of the copyright law. The Copyright Office cannot give legal advice or offer opinions on what is permitted or prohibited. However, they have published
in this circular basic information on some of the most important legislative provisions and other documents dealing with reproduction by librarians and educators