Goldsmiths Library Answers

UK copyright law allows limited copying for research and private study without needing permission, but only if the use qualifies as “fair dealing.” Fair dealing for research and private study is allowed only if:

1. The purpose of the use is non-commercial research and/or private study.
2. The use of the material is fair.
3. The copying is carried out by researchers or students for their own use only.
4. Appropriate acknowledgement is given to the copyright holder.

Exactly what counts as an “insubstantial part” of a work is not explicitly defined in law. What this looks like in practice is also not defined and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may find it helpful to consider the following question: Am I taking more of the material than I really need? It is your responsibility to assess whether the amount of material you wish to copy is fair.

Breaching copyright, data protection, privacy, or other laws is an offence, and you are legally responsible for any copies you make, or that are made on your behalf by members of Library staff.