Selected Music Copyright Resources

There are many unclear areas in the current copyright laws and guidelines for "fair use." The library staff feels that the safest application of copyright for you and the university is to use commercially produced material from the collections of the library or from your own personal collections. Library staff are not able to give legal advice concerning copyright. However, we encourage you to study the resources listed below and ask that you follow up on getting permissions as necessary from the appropriate sources for classroom and reserve use.  

• Copyright at UST
  The local website has copyright policies and procedures for University community. Includes a copyright decision tool to help determine if you need permission, forms, suggestions for alternatives, and links to other useful sites.
• Music Publishers' Association of the United States
  The "Copyright Resources" and "MPA Document Library" include informative FAQs for music educators, church musicians, a practical guide for copying under copyright.
• Music Library Association: Copyright for Music Librarians
  Various guidelines and FAQs relevant to music and education as adopted by professional organizations are available.
• PBS Teacher Source: Copyright
  Includes information relating to off-air videotaping rights and educational multimedia.
• U.S. Copyright Office (Library of Congress)
  Website of government office that holds copyright records. Includes FAQs and information about registering works, licensing, and searching copyright records.