There are three major exemptions to the copyright law that are commonly used by educators: fair use, classroom teaching, and distance education.

If the use does not qualify under the classroom teaching or distance education exemptions, then fair use is generally utilized because it is much broader and flexible.

It is the decision of the individual who is using the work as to which exemption is applicable. It should be a conscious decision not a decision by default. It is the responsibility of all members of the Purdue University community to understand the exemptions and to make a good faith determination that their use of a copyright protected work is authorized under one of the exemptions. A good faith determination means that the individual must understand the exemption they are selecting, be able to articulate it, and be able to reasonably apply it to their specific situation. If none of the exemptions are applicable, then permission should be requested for the use of the work.