Understanding copyright

This page is a quick reference on useful information about copyright, including good habits to follow and resources that you can use.

Last updated 5 August 2026

What is copyright? ©️

Copyright is a legal right that protects original work.

It gives the creator control over how their work is used. Work such as books, articles, videos, music, drawing, photographs are protected by copyright.

Why does copyright matter to you?

It helps you use learning materials the right way — without getting into trouble or disrespecting someone else's work.

Know your copyright do's and don'ts

A table of what to do and not to do with regards to copyright

Do's ✅	Don'ts ❌
You can copy a small and reasonable portion of an original work for your study or research. This is allowed under the Copyright Act and is considered fair use, as long as you follow the rules. For example: One chapter of a book (or about 10%) One article from a journal Think small. Think personal use.	Do not copy the whole book Do not share subscription-based content (databases, e-books) with unauthorised users Do not upload copyright materials online without permission. If you are copying a lot, stop and check first.

Do's ✅

Don'ts ❌

You can copy a small and reasonable portion of an original work for your study or research.

This is allowed under the Copyright Act and is considered fair use, as long as you follow the rules.

For example:

One chapter of a book (or about 10%)
One article from a journal

Think small. Think personal use.

Do not copy the whole book
Do not share subscription-based content (databases, e-books) with unauthorised users
Do not upload copyright materials online without permission.

If you are copying a lot, stop and check first.

Start your copyright journey

Want to learn more about copyright? Take the understanding copyright learning module at POLITE mall to find out more.

Begin your journey

Your access to our library resources

Find out more about resources that you can access via our library below

Using library e-resources

Observe the copyright terms and conditions when downloading resources from our library. You can usually download or print one article at a time. It is for your own use only.

Deep dive into copyright rules

Read through an extensive guide on how you can use our library resources the right way

Records of Copying (submission by NYP staff only)

To help ensure that we remain compliant with the Copyright Act, please copy or communicate copyrighted materials only within the limits permitted under the educational exceptions.

Copying Record Forms for Books and Journals

Complete the appropriate Copying Record Form to document the copying undertaken. Estimated time required: 5 minutes

Copying Record Form for Books/eBooks Copying Record Form for Journals/eJournals

Use of Copyright Material in Examinations and Assessments

If you intend to use the copyrighted materials in examinations or assessments, please also complete this form for record-keeping purposes. Estimated time required: 5 minutes.

Use of Copyright Material in Exams & Assessments

📣 QUICK TIPS:

MUST DO
Section 198 – 10% Rule
Copy ≤ 10% (1 chapter) of a book, or
1 article from a journal → required to submit a Copying Record Form
CAN DO
Section 197 – 5% Rule
Copy ≤ 5% (5 pages) of a book → do provide sufficient acknowledgement
⛔CANNOT DO
Copy > 10% (1 chapter) of a book

Staff Access to 123RF (royalty free images)

Our library has a 123RF licence for staff use (NYP staff only). Download these images from the comfort of your own device.

You can request for the password and login ID by contacting our library staff Tan Li Li or Ong Cheng Leong.

🤔 Still unsure?

Ask our librarians. We are happy to help!