The University Libraries support the University's three-fold mission of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and outreach and public service through the development of collections, delivery of services, and creative applications of information technologies. In its endeavors, the Libraries are committed to compliance with intellectual property law and the preservation of the rights of copyright owners and users of copyrighted materials. The Libraries also seek to ensure that members of the University community know their rights and responsibilities under the fair use provisions of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. Section 107), and are able to apply them regarding their use of copyrighted works. Accordingly, University Libraries shall:

1. Promote the adoption of library policies, standards, and procedures that do not reduce, limit, or restrict fair use.


2. Whenever possible, enter only into agreements that allow access to and use of information that fully support the University's mission, without restrictions on fair use.
   
   
3. Serve as a knowledgeable copyright information resource for the University community, in concert with other campus units.
   
   
4. Educate faculty, librarians, staff, and students about their fair-use rights and responsibilities and the good faith application of the four factors for determining those rights and responsibilities set forth in 17 U.S.C. Section 107.
   
   
5. Advocate within the University community and beyond for the preservation of fair use, and the availability of licensing terms that strengthen and do not inhibit teaching, learning, scholarship, and research.

This policy was reviewed by the University of Minnesota's Office of the General Counsel and approved by the University Libraries' Leadership Council in February 2004.