Copyright Matters
Ensuring Copyright Compliance
Key Information to Review, Know and Share
Copyright law applies to educators professionally and in different ways than it applies to them as individuals.
While teachers have opportunities to use copyright-protected materials in their lessons, they also have responsibilities.
There are limits to what can be copied (photocopied and digitally copied) and communicated in the classroom.
Teachers must know what they can and cannot do with the copyright-protected works of others.
Failure to comply with copyright law can result in a teacher, school, or school board being sued for copyright infringement.
The fair dealing provision in Canada’s copyright law permits teachers to copy and communicate short excerpts from copyright-protected works provided the dealing is “fair.”
The Copyright Consortium of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada has developed a website to assist teachers in complying with the copyright law: www.fairdealingdecisiontool.ca.
This website features an easy-to-use online tool that enables teachers to quickly determine whether they can rightfully use specific materials in their lessons. This website also provides an overview of the Fair Dealing Guidelines and reminders about the restrictions on copying consumables such as workbooks and materials intended for one-time use. As well, educators can find other resources to provide advice on their rights and responsibilities beyond print resources, when they want to use published works such video, music, online resources, etc.
Copyright Matters, 5th Edition. This is a new edition and replaces older versions of this document.
TDSB Support:
Educators can book an appointment with Digital Content Coaches to support their resource selection practices, including consideration of using materials within copyright and fair dealing.
Library Learning Resources and Global Education supports copyright education, resource licensing, and related capacity building for educators. For more information please contact:
Program Coordinator — Library Learning Resources Andrea Sykes andrea.sykes@tdsb.on.ca
Unit Coordinator — Professional Library, Susan Ewing susan.ewing@tdsb.on.ca
Unit Coordinator — Teaching Resources (Video) ryan.coelho@tdsb.on.ca
Centrally Assigned Principal — Suzan Joueid Suzan.Joueid@tdsb.on.ca