New technology makes it easy to copy just about anything. However, copyright laws apply to all forms of information in all forms of media.

So, just because a person can--with one click of a mouse button--download someone else's research or copy a photograph does not mean he or she has permission to re-use that research or graphic in his or her own work.

The possibilities for using these technologies have indeed opened up a new world of information gathering.

However, the same copyright laws that apply to books, songs, sound recordings, newspapers, plays, films, television programs and other creative works apply equally to work you find on the web or in another electronic medium.

Everyone who works at the University has a responsibility to ensure copyright laws are upheld.