Teaching

QUT educators use a wide range of copyright-protected materials to support student learning.

QUT Library provides access to databases, books, and journals under specific licensing agreements. These licences govern how subscribed content can be used. For all other materials, the Australian Copyright Act 1968 applies.

Under the Copyright Act, QUT educators are granted broader permissions to use copyright material for educational purposes. However, access to such material must be restricted to QUT staff and students only.

Text and images

Section 113P of the Copyright Act allows QUT educators to copy images and a reasonable portion of text for educational use. This is covered by an annual blanket licence paid by QUT to the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL).

To meet licence requirements, all text copies must be requested via QUT Readings (accessible to QUT staff only) and included in official reading lists.

Staff may also link to or embed non-infringing content in QUT Readings or Canvas modules. Linking or embedding does not constitute copying and is therefore not subject to copyright restrictions.

We encourage the use of open educational resources (OER) in course materials, such as those available from OpenStax. If you're interested in adapting existing OER or developing your own open textbook, please contact QUT Open Press for guidance and support.

Broadcasts

Under the same section of the Copyright Act (113P), QUT educators may copy television and radio programs for student use. This is enabled through a licence with Screenrights.

Music

QUT is a signatory to the Universities Music Licence which permits a wide range of music uses. Learn more about the activities that are covered by the licence at APRA AMCOS.

Key takeaways

• Link rather than copy: Linking or embedding content avoids copyright restrictions
• Use approved platforms: Share materials only via QUT Readings or Canvas.
• Restrict access: Content must be limited to QUT staff and enrolled students.
• Copy only what's essential: Ensure use aligns with licence limits and educational purpose.
• Respect copyright: Only use legitimate sources
• Use openly licenced resources where possible: Explore OER options. Contact QUT Open Press for support.
• Use Copyright Act exceptions 113E and 200(1A) to assist students with a disability and provide materials for exams.
• Model good academic practice by attributing all images and text used in course materials on Canvas. Proper attribution not only respects copyright but also helps students locate the original sources if they wish to use the material for other purposes later.

Refer to Copyright for learning and teaching in Canvas for more detail on limits, conditions and resource types.