1. Newton County School System Copyright Policy
Marneda Ivey, MLIS
Alcovy High School

2. What is copyright?
A copyright is a property right attached to an original work of art or literature. It gives the owner control over all forms of reproduction.
If you can see it, read it, hear it, or watch it, it is protectable by copyright laws.
Works are protected automatically and instantly once created.
Last for duration of life of the author years.

3. What is “Fair Use”? Used for educational purpose.
Not everything is within fair use.
4 Factors are considered:
1. Purpose: educational vs. commercial
2. Nature
3. Amount: not more than 10%
4. Effect on marketibility

4. What is Covered by Fair Use?
Teachers can make single copies of:
A chapter in a book
Article in a newspaper
A short essay or poem
Chapter from Curriculum Textbooks
A chart, map & graph
A short excerpt from a song
For multiple copies, copy length is limited. General rule is not more than 10% of a work. You can only make enough for each pupil in your classroom.

5. What is not covered?
You can NEVER copy items intended to be consumable. That includes workbook pages, standardized tests, coloring books, answer sheets, test booklets, etc.

6. Ignorance is NOT an excuse
In one case, a teacher was held liable for copying 11 out of 24 pages in an instructional book without permission.
Penalties can run up to $100,000 for each act of deliberate or willful infringement.
Disregard for NCSS copyright policy could mean that a teacher charged with copyright violation would receive no legal support from the school district.

7. Use Common Sense & Self Discretion
If in doubt, ask your media specialist.
If it doesn’t feel right, then you probably shouldn’t do it.
Professional responsibility: just as we would want students to refrain from cheating and stealing, teachers should honor the law when it comes to fair use and copyright.