Copyright introduction

Copyright?

Technology has made it easy to copy other people’s work but, before you press the copy button, be sure you are allowed to do it in terms of copyright.

Being in possession of material, for example by buying it or borrowing it from the library, does not necessarily entitle you to make copies of it.

Copyright exists so that the creator of a work can control how their work is used.
Copyright law may allow you to copy work without the permission of the copyright owner, but only under certain circumstances.

The University has agreements with various organisations to allow University staff and students to copy other people’s material, but only for certain purposes.

Not sure if you can or not?

These pages contain basic information about what you are allowed to copy.

The information is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal advice.

If there is a specific situation that is not covered here you may need to seek expert guidance.

Copyright information and where to go next

Copyright licences

Copyright for electronic materials

FAQs

Images

Information for students

Study packs: Information for staff