Fair use is the legal policy or doctrine that allows for the use of copyrighted work under certain circumstances and with specific limitations. There are four factors in determining fair use:
To help you determine if your use of a work falls under fair use, is a good idea to complete the Fair Use Analysis Checklist and keep a record of it in case you ever need to show you did your due diligence.
These tools and resources are intended to provide guidance on how to navigate copyright. Please keep in mind that librarians can provide information and resources to help you navigate copyright related questions, but we do not give legal advice, as we are not lawyers.
If you lawfully acquired and own an object, you can display it (see section 109 below from Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17)). This is how The Claremont Colleges Library can display copyrighted works in their exhibit cases.
109. Limitations on exclusive rights: Effect of transfer of particular copy or phonorecord (c) …the owner of a particular copy lawfully made under this title, or any person authorized by such owner, is entitled, without the authority of the copyright owner, to display that copy publicly…
Say you want to display...
Sample language: I am asking for permission to use the following material in a student-curated exhibition at [exhibit location] called “[exhibit title].” The [exhibit location] is a non-profit educational institution that does not charge entry fees for the exhibit. I would be pleased to include a full citation to the work and other acknowledgement as you might request. If you require any additional information, do not hesitate to contact me at [email/phone number].
Note: Be sure to include information about specific materials you want to use and the duration of time you intend to use it for.