NU LibChat Widget

Ask Us

Can't find what you need? Submit a ticket through email, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email Us

What is Fair Use?

Fair Use permits the use of a copyrighted work without permission in certain circumstances. According to 17 U.S. Code § 107, to determine if a use is fair, a user must consider four factors:

  1. the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
  2. the nature of the copyrighted work;
  3. the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
  4. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

While not all factors need to met in order for a use to be fair, all four factors must be considered. For more information on fair use, please see the following resources:




Still need help?

Didn't get the answer you needed? Contact a librarian through email, phone, SMS, or chat for personalized assistance!