Academic Integrity
📚Reuse Copyrighted Materials
The Tariq Amin Library supports students and faculty in understanding how to properly reuse copyrighted materials in research, thesis writing, publications, and academic work. Users are encouraged to follow copyright guidelines, intellectual property policies, and fair use practices to avoid copyright infringement.
💡 What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind that are protected by law. These include:
- Research papers and journal articles
- Books and book chapters
- Images, graphs, and tables
- Software and programming code
- Videos, audio, and multimedia content
Intellectual Property rights protect creators and ensure their work is not used without permission.
©️ What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal right granted to creators of original work. It gives the copyright owner exclusive rights to:
✔ Reproduce the work
✔ Distribute copies
✔ Display or publish the work
✔ Adapt or modify the work
✔ Share the work electronically
Copyright applies to:
- Books and articles
- Images and figures
- Tables and charts
- Videos and multimedia
- Digital and online content
Copyright protection usually begins automatically when a work is created.
⚖️ What is Fair Use / Fair Dealing?
Fair use (or fair dealing) allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for:
✔ Research and private study
✔ Teaching and learning
✔ Criticism and review
✔ Quotation and commentary
Factors considered when determining fair use:
- Purpose of use (educational or commercial)
- Nature of the work
- Amount used
- Impact on the original work’s value
Example
✔ Using a short quotation in research may be fair use
❌ Reusing an image or table usually requires permission
⚠️ How to Avoid Copyright Infringement
To avoid copyright infringement:
✔ Use small portions of content
✔ Cite original sources
✔ Check copyright ownership
✔ Obtain permission when required
✔ Use open-access or Creative Commons resources
Avoid:
❌ Copying entire works
❌ Using images without permission
❌ Reusing tables or figures without approval
🪜 Steps to Obtain Permission
Step 1: Identify Copyright Owner
Copyright owner may include:
- Author (Books and reports)
- Publisher (Journal articles)
- Photographer or creator (Images)
- Website owner (Online content)
Step 2: Request Permission
Permission may be obtained by:
- Contacting copyright owner
- Using publisher permission systems
- Using licensing platforms
- Emailing copyright holder directly
Provide the following details:
- Material to be used
- Purpose of use
- Where it will be used
- Type of publication or research
Step 3: Acknowledge Permission
After permission is granted: Include acknowledgment such as:
- “Reprinted/Adapted from (Source). Copyright (Year). Used with permission.”
- Keep records of permission emails or documents.
💰 Do I Need to Pay for Permission?
- Some permissions are free
- Some publishers may charge a fee
If permission requires payment, users may:
✔ Use alternative content
✔ Create original figures
✔ Use Creative Commons licensed materials
✔ Paraphrase text content
❓ Does Citation Mean Permission?
No. Citing a source does not mean permission has been granted.
- Citation avoids plagiarism
- Permission avoids copyright infringement
Both may be required when using copyrighted material.
📖 Copyright Issues in Thesis & Research
Students may face copyright issues when:
- Including images or figures in thesis
- Using published journal content
- Reusing previously published work
Recommendations:
✔ Obtain permission when required
✔ Cite sources properly
✔ Keep permission records
✔ Consult supervisor when unsure
📘 Publishing Research from Thesis
When publishing articles based on thesis work:
- Ensure content is revised
- Credit thesis source
- Check copyright ownership
- Follow publisher guidelines
🤖 Generative AI and Copyright
When using AI-generated content:
✔ Follow university policies
✔ Verify originality
✔ Cite appropriately if required
✔ Avoid using AI where prohibited
🤝 Library Support
The Tariq Amin Library provides guidance on:
- Copyright and intellectual property
- Fair use guidance
- Permission requests
- Research publishing support
Students and faculty may contact the library team for assistance.
