The Board will make available the equipment necessary for staff to carry out their assignments. This equipment will include machines for the reproduction of materials.
The Board recognizes, however, that the 1976 federal copyright law, PL 94-553, makes it illegal to duplicate copyrighted materials without permission, except for certain exempt purposes. The Board further realizes that severe penalties are provided for unauthorized copying of audio, visual, or printed materials unless the copying falls within the bounds of the "fair use" doctrine. The Board therefore informs all personnel that unauthorized reproduction and/or use of copyrighted materials is illegal and unethical, and that violations of the copyright laws may result in criminal or civil suits and/or suspension or dismissal from employment in the system.
To protect staff members and the Shelby County Schools against legal redress for alleged violations of the copyright laws, the person making the reproduction must be certain that the action is within the law. When an individual is not certain, he or she should contact the supervisor of media services in order to ascertain whether copying falls under "permitted use." If it does not, the supervisor of media services may request permission to reproduce materials from copyright holders.