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Library Guide for International Students and Scholars

Resources to help you navigate the library to find books and articles, study spaces, and different ways of getting in touch with librarians and other staff for specific research and writing assistance.

What is copyright?

Copyright law gives the copyright holder (often the author or publisher) the right to control certain uses of works that are protected by copyright. It also gives users the right to make certain uses of those works without permission.

Plagiarism

Copyright infringement and plagiarism are related but distinct concepts. Plagiarism is using the work of another without attribution. Copyright infringement is the reproduction, modification, distribution, public performance, or public display of a copyrighted work without the permission of the rightsholder that does not fall under fair use or another exception to copyright law. It is possible to plagiarize even when copyright allows you to use the work. Similarly, it is possible to infringe copyright even when you have given careful attribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: Mar 14, 2025 8:54 AM