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Research Guides@TCC Libraries

Copyright and Fair Use: Research Guide

What is Fair Use?

Fair Use means under certain circumstances it is allowable to use part of a copyrighted work.  Fair use is what allows people to  make parodies, quote sections of a book in a book review,  or copy articles for research.  

There are four factors that can be used to determine whether something is more or less likely to be considered fair use.

They are:

1. Purpose and character of the use

2. Nature of the source

3. Amount of the source used

4. Effect on the market 

Courts may also consider whether the use is transformative (whether it add something new or does something different from the original).  If you applyi these factors to your intended use of a copyrighted work it can demonstrate that you are acting in good faith.  Actual decisions on fair use are only made after a rights holder has sued over copyright infringement.  

Interesting Fair Use Links

TCC Chesapeake

Chesapeake Campus Library
(Pass Building, Room 209)
1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Library Phone: 757-822-5162

Chesapeake Campus Tutoring
Tutoring Phone: Phone: 757-822-5157
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TCC Norfolk

Norfolk Campus Library
Martin Building - First Floor
300 Granby Street,
Norfolk Virginia 23510
Library Phone: 757-822-1101

Norfolk Campus Tutoring
Tutoring Phone: 757-822-1134
More Tutoring Information


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TCC Portsmouth

Portsmouth Campus Library
Building A, Room A240 - Second Floor
120 Campus Drive
Portsmouth, VA 23701
Library Phone: 757-822-2130

Portsmouth Campus Tutoring
Tutoring Phone: Phone: 757-822-2349
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TCC Virginia Beach

The Joint-Use Library  (JUL)
1700 College Crescent,
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Library Phone: 757-822-7800

Virginia Beach Campus Tutoring
Tutoring Phone: Phone: 757-822-7736
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Last Updated: Jun 7, 2023 10:38 AM