Copyright and the Internet

Creating Classroom and School Web Pages:

Copyright and the Internet

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The Internet is a vast resource for information, including text, images, and other resources you might wish to include in a web page you create. However, any information found on the Internet is assumed to be copyrighted. Only if there is a statement telling the viewer that the information found on the page can be copies and/or shared without permission can you use it without asking.

As a general rule it is always wise to cite the source and ask for permission.

Linking to Another Web Site: If you wish to link to a web page on the Internet, send e-mail to the owner of the site and request permission to link to their site. In the e-mail, include the URL for your web site if possible. Do not link to another web site until you receive permission.
Free Graphics and Clip Art: If you find free clip art or other free images on the Internet, cite your source. You can do this on a credits page within your site.
Copying Images from the Internet: Even though it is very easy to copy images you find on the Internet and then use them on your web pages, this practice is in violation of the copyright law. If you find something you really want to use, ask permission. Once you receive permission, also cite the source.
Fair Use Exemption: If you wish to use information that is protected under Fair Use in print form, the same Fair Use exemptions do not apply to the Internet. For example, you cannot copy something from a workbook and post it on the Internet. This is because once you place something on the Internet you lose control.
If you are not sure whether it is copyrighted or not, assume that it is.
Teacher Permission Template: David Warlick of Landdmark for Schools has created templates for teacher and student use. His Teacher's Permission Template for Harvested Internet Resources can be used to e-mail to ask permission to use web resources as teaching materials.

Sources for Information on Copyright

DPS Copyright Policy
This is the board approved copyright policy for Durham Public Schools.

Copyright in an Electronic Environment
This is an excellent source for information about copyright as it relates to both general copyright and copyright for multimedia projects and the Internet.

A Guide to Documenting Pictures and Text
This site provides examples for documenting text and images from Carolina Clips in multimedia projects and reports.

Web Page Guidelines
These guidelines address standards for content, distribution, and technical aspects of a web sites for Durham Public Schools.