Copyright & Educational Fair Use

Non-profit institutions providing continuing education, in-service training, and patient education fit the criteria for fair use.

The Medical Library Association's publication, The Copyright Law and the Health Sciences Librarian, is unmatched as a resource for fair use guidelines in the provision of continuing education. Of particular interest is Section 4.c, pages 17-19.

Providers can also look to the U. S. Copyright Office's Circular 21, Reproduction of Copyrighted Works by Educators and Librarians, (a.k.a. "classroom guidelines") for guidance.

Caution: If the intent of an educational program is to generate profit or if the program looks like a commercial event, ask for permission and pay applicable royalty fees.