I. Policy Information
Policy Title: Copyright Policy
Policy Owner: UIS Library Information Literacy and Academic Outreach
Responsible Official: Head of Information Literacy and Academic Outreach
Approved by: UIS Library Leadership Team
Date Approved: 01/14/26
Effective Date: 01/14/26
Targeted Review Date: April 2027
Contact: questions@uis.libanswers.com
Related Policies: Course Reserve Policy
II. Scope
The scope of this policy covers materials in the UIS Library collection and other copyrighted
materials used on campus. This policy applies to all library users, including students, staff,
faculty, and community members.
III. Definitions
Copyright: Copyright is the legal right of creators to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute their
works. U.S. copyright is outlined in the U.S. Copyright law (17 U.S.C. Section 107). The use of all
materials in the library collection and those materials brought into the library fall under the
purview of copyright law.
Fair Use: Fair use is the act of using copyrighted materials without licensed permission of the
copyright holder under certain conditions. These are widely applicable within educational and
personal use.
Contractual Law: Contracts signed between the library and third-party electronic vendors may
supersede the rights of copyright and fair use. If applicable, the library will follow the terms of
their contracts.
IV. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to guide the collection development, resource sharing, instruction
and reference of the library to be in compliance with copyright and intellectual property rights.
This policy does not apply to the UIS Archives, which adheres to separate copyright guidelines
for their collections and materials.
V. Background
The UIS Library maintains a physical and electronic collection for educational and recreational
use of the UIS community and the public. The UIS Library will promote the use of this collection
to follow copyright and fair use practices. In promoting the use of copyrighted materials,
information literacy will teach these principles.
VI. Statement of Policy
he university and the library are committed to complying with all applicable laws and
regulations surrounding the use of information including copyright laws and the provisions
regarding copyright in U.S. Copyright law (17 U.SC. Section 107). While complying with existing
laws and regulations, the library believes in vigorously defending the exceptions within these
laws for education, scholarship, and the advancement of knowledge as these and the ethical
use of information are critical to the educational, research, and public service mission of the
university.
Copyright is the responsibility of faculty, staff, and students using copyrighted material. The
library aims to provide information and educate the UIS community about copyright, but also
their rights in using copyrighted material. The UIS Library reserves the right to refuse requests
that are deemed to violate a copyright or do not fall under fair use.
University policy and information and guidelines on using copyrighted material are provided at
the UIS Library’s copyright guide.