1.  Can I photocopy an article from a journal that I own and place the copy on reserve? lookup: [journal on reserve]
        

A photocopied journal article can be placed on reserve for (1) semester.  After that semester, permission must be sought from the publisher unless all rights concerning that article are held by the person requesting the item be placed on reserve.

2.  Are there documents I can copy and put on reserve without obtaining copyright clearance?
           

Unless signified by a reproduction permission notice, all portions of a federal government document may be freely placed on reserve.  It is possible for a government document to have copyrighted material within it.  Copyright permission is not ordinarily required for exams, lecture notes, student papers, or works in the public domain.

 

3.  Can I put photocopies of out of print items on reserve without copyright clearance?
           

No. Even out of print materials might still be protected by copyright. Only those materials in the public domain can be placed on reserve without copyright clearance. Materials that are considered to be in the public domain are defined as works that are no longer protected by copyright. The length of copyright protection for various works are explained in this chart created Dr. Laura Gasaway and ProfessorTom Field, When Works Pass Into the Public Domain.

4.  Can students be given an Internet link so they can print the article themselves?
           

Students should be encouraged [when possible] to view and print an article from one of the library full text article databases such as EBSCOHost’s Academic Search Premier or ProQuest’s e-Library – Curriculum Edition.

 

5. Can I put a photocopied chapter from a book on reserve?
           

A photocopied chapter can be placed on reserve for (1) semester.  After that semester, permission must be sought from the publisher unless all rights concerning that chapter are held by the person making the request. 

 

6. Can I place a videotape I made of a PBS program on reserve? What are considered authorized audio and/or
video recordings?
           

Permission must be sought for any off-air videos that instructors wish to place on reserve.  PBS and
other networks have permission clearing houses for this kind of request.

The Library will not place on reserve unauthorized copies (i.e., instructor-produced):

• Audio cassettes
• Compact discs, including instructor created anthologies

 

Unless the instructor has written permission from the copyright holder for each recording and each piece of
music.

However, authorized (i.e., legally purchased) copies of:

• Video cassettes
• DVDs
• Audio cassettes
• Compact discs

...can be placed on reserve.

 

7. Can I place portions of a book that I wrote on reserve?
           

Portions of book can be placed on reserve for (1) semester. Unless all reproduction and distribution rights are held by the author, permission will need to be sought from the publisher if the material is on reserve for more than one semester.

 

8. The manual I would like to put on reserve will not hold up to constant use, is there a way to make it more durable?
           

When possible, the publisher should be contacted about replacement copies or more durable alternatives such as compact disc versions of the material or a web version of the material. Contact the library if more durable alternatives are not available.

 

9.  I’m teaching this course again – can I just leave my reserves on permanently?
           

Yes, if they are your unpublished materials you authored, such as class notes, but you must indicate this each semester when the library contacts you about your reserve materials.         

 

 

10.  Why do I need permission to place materials on reserve?
           

Current copyright law dictates that you must have the permission of copyright holders unless a work is in the public domain, a federal government document, or all reproduction and distribution rights are held by the person making the request.

 

11.  I’ve used this more than once before – why is permission unavailable now?
           

If we discover items were accidentally placed on reserve without obtaining the necessary clearances, we cannot continue to have them on reserve.

 

12.  What other options do I have if I cannot get permission?
           

Alternative materials may be sought to replace those for which permission has been denied.  Full text electronic articles and books are available and instructors can use these materials.

 

 

13. Who is responsible for making sure my materials comply with copyright law?
           

It is the responsibility of the instructor to obtain the necessary copyright permissions. 

14. How can I get copyright permission?

 

Permission can either be obtained by contacting the publisher of the work, or contacting Copyright Clearance Center [CCC]. The CCC offers online permission capability for both photocopy and digital duplicates. Click on “Get Started” under the 'Academic' heading and follow the instructions provided.

 

15. What is the TEACH Act and how does it effect course reserves?
     

The TEACH Act - Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH), was signed into the law on November 2, 2002. TEACH updates the distance education provisions of the Copyright Act to meet the challenges of the networked environment.   To see the specifics of how course reserves are affected refer to Georgia Harper, legal counsel at the University of Texas at Austin’s Crash Course of Copyright TEACH section.

 

16. I already use eCampus, do I still need reserves?
           

If you are using eCampus you may find that you don’t have a need to place materials on reserve.  However, the service is available if you find there is a resource that is not available through eCampus or our full text electronic resources.

 

 

 

Page Last Updated: May 12, 2009
Page maintained by: brian.carpenter@blinn.edu