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Copyright: For electronic materials

E-Copyright

Copyright applies to all electronic formats and media, whether it is says so or not. Electronic copyright can be more restrictive than print copyright.  Although the Copyright Licensing Agency licence now covers scanning for Weblearn.

Fair dealing can sometimes be applied to material in an electronic format or media.

Definition of Fair Dealing

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Websites

The design, layout and contents of websites are protected by copyright, whether it says so or not. If a website is supported by a database, this information is also protected by law.

Websites often have terms and conditions of use. They will specify how much material can be used and for what purpose.

If you are unsure, seek permission from the website owner.

If you quote from a website always reference the name, URL and date accessed, as websites tend to move, change and disappear.

Even if you just want to link to a website, it is necessary to check the terms and conditions and avoid deep-linking (linking to a page several pages in).

An explanation of deep linking.

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Blogs

Blogs, like websites, are protected by copyright. Terms and conditions must be checked or permission sought before quoting.

Insubstantial text may be quoted from electronic or print sources under fair dealing.

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Online Media

This includes video and music and is a complex area of copyright.

Check terms and conditions of use and seek permission from the copyright owner if required.

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Electronic Databases

The University subscribes to electronic databases for you to access materials online. However there are restrictions to what you can do with that material beyond viewing it.

Terms and conditions of permitted use vary from publisher to publisher, some allowing use in WebLearn, others insisting that you link to them only and some allowing use for hand-outs.

What publishers do and do not allow varies widely, so always check the terms and conditions or seek permission, if you are unsure.

It can be easier to link to databases and journals through the Library Catalogue.

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International Copyright

Copyright law varies from country to country.

Work out where the website is based, and bear in mind that the terms and conditions of use may refer to non-UK law.

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  Page last updated : : 24 Apr 2012