The Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (the TEACH Act) became law in 2002 and "redefines the terms and conditions on which accredited, nonprofit educational institutions throughout the U.S. may use copyright protected materials in distance education-including on websites and by other digital means--without permission from the copyright owner and without payment of royalties." (ALA)
The TEACH Act mandates a number of requirements by institutions in order to maintain compliance with copyright protection. These requirements are the responsibility of institutional policymakers, instructors, and informational technology professionals and are articulated here.