Responsibility to respect copyright

Tertiary researchers rely heavily on other people’s content during their course of study or research. You refer to, copy and quote from all types of books, journals, course packs, images, diagrams and more. Some disciplines actively produce, perform, play and show musical, audio and video content during the course of their studies. At a tertiary level, you are responsible for your own learning and research output. You have a responsibility to respect the rules that protect and encourage the production of third party material that you rely on. It is important to familiarise yourself with the rules that govern what you can and cannot legally do with copyright material. Those writing a thesis or engaged in research where there is a likelihood of publication need to be especially mindful of using third party copyright content because publishing a work generally takes it out of the context in which educational or research copyright exceptions and licences apply.

Acknowledge material you didn’t create

Often you will be allowed to copy or use copyright material by virtue of being a researcher carrying out a course of study at an education institution. You have access to privileges with copyright material which eliminate the need to get permission from copyright owners in many cases. However, regardless of whether you have a special entitlement to copy in any situation, it is vital to acknowledge material you did not create. Where possible, attribute illustrators, photographers and all other creators as well as writers. In a tertiary setting, it is standard practice to provide a full bibliographic citation of your reference materials.