Many traditional publication agreements ask the author to transfer all rights--including copyright--to the publisher. Depending on the agreement, you may no longer be able to use your own work in future publications or teaching, distribute your work to colleagues, or post your work in an online repository. Basically, you have given up your exclusive rights to your own research and must rely on fair use or request permission of the publisher to use it! The librarians at CCHCS can help you think though your options before you sign on the dotted line!