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Frequently Asked Copyright Questions (FAQ)

The purposes of this Association include:

  • advance the science of geology, especially as it relates to petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources;
  • promote the technology of exploring for, finding, and producing these materials in an economically and environmentally sound manner;
  • foster the spirit of scientific research throughout its membership;
  • disseminate information relating to the geology and the associated technology of petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources;
  • inspire and maintain a high standard of professional conduct on the part of its members;
  • provide the public with means to recognize adequately trained and professionally responsible geologists; and
  • advance the professional well-being of its members.
AAPG Publications

AAPG publishes a monthly science journal, the AAPG Bulletin, a quarterly science journal for the DEG. Environmental Geoscience and a monthly news magazine the AAPG Explorer. In addition, special volumes are published, and several Web sites are maintained.

On or near the title page of each publication you will find the masthead statement which includes information on ownership, permissions, and other issues. Copyright policy for each publication is detailed there. Other than what we consider fair use you need to report your usage to the Copyright Clearance Center and remit payment. Any digital/electronic republication requires permission and is usually subject to a fee.

AAPG's policy on special Fair Use

If you want to use a single figure, a brief paragraph, or a single table from an AAPG publication in a paper in another publication, AAPG considers this to be fair usage, and you need no formal permission. In that case, you should print a copy of this document and present it to your publisher. You are, however, required to give credit to AAPG and include a full citation.

Paper vs. electronic publications

The same copyright rules apply to all AAPG publications, whether in paper format or electronic media. No AAPG publication may be captured by any means into any electronic format without AAPG's specific written permission.

Do you need the authors' permission?

Usually, no. AAPG obtains transfer of copyright from most authors. The professional courtesy of notifying authors whose work you will use is always appreciated. Authors are free to put abstracts of their own papers on Web sites maintained by their company or institution only.

May authors republish their AAPG materials?

Usually, yes. The agreement by which authors transfer copyright ownership to AAPG includes a statement of permission for authors to republish parts of their own work, properly cited, in their own future works. Otherwise, replication of complete articles is not permitted without specific written permission from AAPG. Does an author need permission to use AAPG copyrighted material if the work is to be published by AAPG? return Generally, no. AAPG authors may use AAPG copyrighted material only within work being published by AAPG without fees or formal permission.

What if you redraw an illustration?

AAPG will usually grant permission to redraft an illustration from an AAPG publication provided you do not alter the intent of the original. Credit lines for such redraftings should read in this form: "After [author's name], in [name of publication], [bibliographic citation].

Can I make copies of my own paper?

Yes. Authors can make multiple copies of their own paper for non-commercial educational purposes.

Can AAPG provide materials from which to reproduce articles or illustrations?

AAPG does not retain page art or author drafting after publication. Contact AAPG Sales to check availability and/or to order issues of journals or books.

Are AAPG publications available in electronic form?

Please inquire if you are interested in a digital copy of an AAPG publication. This material is usually available; however, there may be a service fee associated with acquiring an electronic copy.

How to obtain permission

Contact Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923. You’ll need to be specific in your request. There are usually fees associated with using AAPG copyrighted material. For questions other than CCC.

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