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Document the Fair-Use Reasoning Process

When using copyrighted materials as part of the creative production process, you can document your own (or your students') fair-use reasoning process. It's a tool to strengthen your critical thinking and reasoning skills.

USE THE GOOGLE FORM TO PRACTICE YOUR FAIR USE REASONING

When developing a project, answer the following questions

  • What is the purpose of your project?
  • Who is the target audience?

     

Complete the sentence:  "I am using (describe the nature of the copyrighted material here) because (provide a reason for your use of the work here)"

 

  1. Did your use of the work “transform” the material taken from the copyrighted work by using it for a different purpose than that of the original?  
  2. Does your use merely re-transmit the original work? Could your work be a substitute or a replacement for the original?
  3. Did you use only the amount you needed to accomplish your purpose? 

Provide a citation for the material here: ___________________________________________________ 

REVIEW AND DISCUSS: See examples of fair use reasoning here

ALTERNATIVE: Print out a paper copy

APPLY: MAKE A COPY OF THE GOOGLE FORM TO CUSTOMIZE FOR YOUR OWN LIBRARY, SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY