This guide first created by MPAL graduate assistant Lindy Smith, Fall 2009. Later revamped by practicum student Madeline Hosanna, Spring 2012.
This guide, and the links it includes, are in no way meant to provide legal advice. Copyright laws are complicated and there is often no clear right or wrong. This guide is only meant to lead you toward resources that can help you make choices concerning copyright. If you need any additional help finding copyright resources, ask a reference librarian, but for actual legal advice, please ask a lawyer!
You can also consult with the University's Copyright Librarian, Sara Benson (srbenson@illinois.edu). We also encourage you to check out her general Copyright Reference Guide linked below.
General Concepts
Music
If you want to read more about copyright or get a sense of what other guides and resources exist to help you make informed decisions about copyright, check out the guides and resources linked below.