COPYRIGHT

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of
copyrighted materials. Unauthorized reproductions beyond the scope of fair use and other copyright
exemptions may be a violation of the law.
Educators may use a copyrighted work under Fair Use Guidelines. Fair Use depends on the purpose of
the use, the nature of the work, the amount of the work used and the effect on the marketability or
value.
Why do you care? Legal penalties are harsh and expensive. Teachers or staff who violate the CCSD
policy receive no legal support from the school district.

SAVANNAH-CHATHAM BOARD OF
EDUCATION POLICY

18. COPYRIGHT

This section addresses media specialist responsibilities with regard to Copyright Law.
18.1 Board Policy IFBD

The SCCPSS District adheres to Copyright Law of the United States of America and Related Laws
Contained in Title 17 of the United States Code. The media specialist is responsible for distributing
current copyright information to all building employees. The book, Copyright for Schools, by Carol
Simpson is the definitive guide. This source provides excellent handouts and recommended reading on
the subject.

18.2 Copyright Links

American Library Association. Copyright and Fair Use. www.ala.org
U. S. Copyright Office. Copyright Law of the United States and Related Law Contained in Title 17 of the
U. S. Code. www.copyright.gov/title17/
18.3 Copyright Book Titles

Bielefield, Arlene, and Lawrence Cheeseman. Technology and copyright law. 2nd. New York: Neal-
Schuman, 2007. Print.
Russell, Carrie. Complete copyright; An everyday guide for librariians. Washington, D.C.: American
Library Associatioin, 2004. Print
Simpson, Carol. Copyright Catechism; Practical answers to everyday school dilemmas. Worthington,
Ohio: Linworth Books, 2005. Print.
Simpson, Carol. Copyright for schools; a practical guide. 4th. Worthington, Ohio: Linworth, 2005. Print.
18.4 Software Licenses
All copies of software within the school must have a license on file, preferably in the media center.
Typically, the license entitles the holder to use the software and make one backup copy. This allows the
use of the program on one, and only one, computer. Licenses may be purchased for a specific number
of copies of a software, usually at a reduced price. Site licenses may also be purchased, which will allow
the school to put the software on any/all, computers within the school building.

Networking software is governed by user license. These are usually 10 users, 25 users, 50 users, etc. It
is not possible to connect more computers to a network than the number of users allowed by the
license. Upgrades to the license must be purchased as the buildings capacity to add users increases.
When user licenses are upgraded, backup software must also be upgraded to a compatible user number.
One of the projects the LMAC will take on during the 13-14 school year is the update of the district library
media center handbook. In the meantime, I have posted it in the shared documents section of ACORN for
your reference. I have also attached it to this announcement.