What this page covers
This page explains how you can legally use books, articles, images, and media for your assignments and projects. It applies to all students, faculty, and staff at Wrenford Polytechnic. Canadian copyright law protects the work of authors, artists, and publishers. You must follow these rules to avoid breaking the law or facing academic penalties.
Understanding your rights
You do not always need permission to use copyrighted material. Canadian law allows you to use small portions of a work for education, research, criticism, or review under fair dealing. You can also use material covered by Wrenford Polytechnic's library licenses. The library pays for access to many academic databases and journals. If your material is covered by a license, you can use it according to the terms listed on the database page.
How to use material legally
Follow these steps when adding sources to your assignments or presentations.
Step one: Check if the material is covered
Look for the library's license agreements on the Access digital databases page. If you are using a library database, your use is usually allowed for coursework.
Step two: Apply fair dealing limits
If you are not using a licensed database, follow the fair dealing guidelines. You can typically copy up to ten percent of a book, one article from a journal issue, or a short clip from a video. Always attribute the source correctly.
Step three: Use open and licensed resources
Prefer open educational resources or material that explicitly allows reuse. The library can help you find substitutes if a licensed source is unavailable.
Step four: Submit material for distribution
If you plan to upload copyrighted material to the college's learning management system or share it with a class, contact the library first. Staff will review the material to ensure it meets license requirements.
Fees and deadlines
There are no fees for using fair dealing guidelines or checking library licenses. If you need to request permission directly from a publisher or creator, they may charge a fee. Allow at least two weeks for permission requests, as responses can take time.
Contact the library
Visit the library service desk on the ground floor of the Falls Library & Learning Commons. You can also email [email protected] or call 519-555-0178. Ask for a copyright consultation if you are unsure about a specific assignment or project.