A Guide to Understanding Copyright Law, Copyright Infringement, and Fair Use.

The article provides information on the Copyright Act of 1976, cases of copyright infringement and the meaning of fair use under the 17 U.S. Code Sections 107 and 108. Topics discussed include the possible use of some parts of a copyrighted work without the owner's permission under the fair use clause, factors to consider to determine the fair use of a copyrighted work, and the lack of accountability of libraries for users making copies in excess of fair use.