The central purpose of this policy is to assist members of the IU community with the use of copyrighted materials in furtherance of the institution's education and research mission and in accordance with a good-faith understanding of the principles of copyright and fair use. The intended effects of this policy are multifold. Readers should be able to make a more informed and responsible exercise of fair use, and they should be able to meet teaching and research needs without infringing the rights of copyright owners. While the policy calls on individuals to learn about copyright and to reach informed conclusions, one purpose of the policy is to motivate decisions that allow faculty and others to keep their focus on serving the university mission. If faculty, librarians, and staff act in good faith and consistent with their university duties, the general indemnification policy at IU will also likely offer protection in the event of an infringement allegation.
Good faith increases the likelihood that activities are in fact fair use.
Good faith reduces the risks of liability in the event of infringement. Good faith is also one important prerequisite to having the benefit of university assistance and support in the event that its faculty, staff, and librarians may face infringement allegations. Ultimately, good faith is best manifested through knowledge of, and reasonable application of, fair use. This policy explicitly applies to all faculty, librarians, and staff of Indiana University. While the policy does not address the activities of students who are not also employed by the university, the advice and guidance about fair use will be available to students as well.