United States Copyright Law and the contracts between Melvin J. Zahnow Library and our vendors dictate how our resources (both in print and digital) can be used in the classroom.
This guide will explain the basic facts of fair use and copyright law as it relates to use in the classroom. The guide will also show what the licenses currently dictating the use of the library e-resources allow for your use of library resources in the classroom (in all modalities).
If you have any feedback, comments, or questions about this guide, please send them to Heather Fisher, the Head of Access Services at hgfisher@svsu.edu.
NOTE: The Library does not have an attorney on staff. This guide does not constitute legal advice. Some questions may need to be referred to SVSU General Counsel Ellen Crane.
NOTE: Nearly 20% of our databases (48 to be exact) come to us courtesy of the Michigan E-Library, better known as MeL. Funding for MeL is provided by the Institute of Library and Museum Services. Recently, federal agents announced the intention to eliminate the entire IMLS budget in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
