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Copyright Guide
Copyright Frequently Asked Questions for Students
While studying at Surrey you may sometimes want to
copy material, for example journal articles or web
pages. This material will almost certainly be
protected by copyright, which will limit the amount
you are allowed to copy.
What is copyright?
Copyright gives the creators of original works the
right to control how their works can be used. The
following types of work are protected:
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literary, dramatic and musical works which
include web pages, computer programs and
lyrics
artistic works which include photographs, maps
and charts
sound recordings, films and broadcasts
typographical arrangements of published
editions: the way the words are arranged on the
page
The person who owns the work and copyright has
rights over how it is copied, adapted, distributed
rented or performed. For more information on
copyright and how long it lasts see the Library web
pages on Copyright Information.
When can I copy materials?
There are a number of exceptions in UK law which
allow you to copy protected material without the prior
permission of the copyright owner. There is a ‘fair
dealing’ exception which allows you to make a single
copy for personal use for private study or research.
The amount which may be copied is not specified but
is usually taken to mean one article from a journal
issue, or one chapter or up to 5% of a book.
Can I copy materials for coursework and
assignments?
In UK copyright law there is a specific exception
which allows copying for the purpose of answering
examination questions and this includes assessed
work that will count towards a final examination mark.
So you can copy material, including images, tables
and diagrams, for incorporation in an essay or
assignment. The use must be proportionate and fair
i.e. the extent should be justified by the context. You
must always clearly acknowledge the source or you
may be guilty of plagiarism.
How much can I copy from a website?
The Internet makes copying very easy but, unless
there is an explicit statement to say otherwise, all
material on the web is protected by copyright. You
may make one copy, electronic or print, for your own
private study or research in line with the limits set out
above. Check the site’s terms and conditions – there
is usually a link from the homepage – to see whether
you can copy more.
If you are creating your own website express your
ideas in your own words. Adapting another site’s
web pages is a breach of copyright law. Do not use
frames or other forms of display which might give the
impression that somebody else’s website is your own
work.
What if I want to copy more?
You should ask the owner for permission. Many
copyright owners will be prepared to give permission
to students for educational use. Make clear what you
will be using the material for and follow any
requirements they make, for example that you
indicate the author. Do not assume that no reply
equals consent.
Can I download music from a website?
You must not download music from the web unless
the site permits it and you must not take part in file
sharing. Both are breaches of copyright and could
have serious consequences for you and for the
University.
Who will lose out if I copy without permission?
It could have a serious impact on the income of the
author, artist or composer, the publisher, the record
or film production company. Remember copyright
law is there to protect people and in the future may
protect something you create or produce.
What will happen if I copy too much of someone’s
work?
Anyone who infringes copyright by copying a
protected work without the permission of the
copyright owner is committing a serious offence. If
you do this in the course of studying you could be
guilty of plagiarism and will be subject to disciplinary
action. Breaching copyright law could ultimately give
rise to legal action against you or the University. This
could result in fines or imprisonment under civil and
criminal law.
Where can I find out more?
Detailed guidance on copyright, how copyright
material can be used lawfully, UK legislation and the
various licences held by the University, is available
on the Library web pages at Copyright Information.
For further information on copyright compliance
please contact the Copyright and Digital Resources
Advisor, Gill Dwyer, [email protected].
Gill Dwyer, 2014