Making copies of copyrighted materials for student learning and research use without written permission may occur in the following instances:
Single copying for instructors
Single copies may be made of any of the following by professors for scholarly research, use in teaching, or preparation to teach a class:
One chapter from a book;
An article from a periodical, journal, or newspaper;
A short story, short essay, or short poem, whether or not from a collective work;
A chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon, or picture from a book, periodical, or newspaper.
Multiple copies for student learning use
Multiple copies (not to exceed more than one copy per student in a course) may be made by an instructor for student learning use or discussion; provided that the following three criteria are met:
The copying meets the tests of brevity and spontaneity (as defined below).
The copying meets the cumulative effect test (as defined below).
Each copy includes a notice of copyright. An example is "this material may be protected by Copyright law (title 17, US Code)."
Definitions:
Brevity: Either a complete article, story or essay of less than 2,500 words, (usually varies 3-8 pages depending on size of page and type) or an excerpt from any prose work of not more than 1,000 words or 10 percent of the work, whichever is greater.
Spontaneity: The copying is at the instance and inspiration of the individual teacher, and the inspiration and decision to use the work. The moment of its use for maximum teaching effectiveness are so close in time that it would be unreasonable to expect a timely reply to a request for permission.
Cumulative effect: Copying of the material is for only one course in the school in which the copies are made.
These questions and answers should not be construed as legal advice. These are general guidelines.
When teaching in a classroom, how can I use copyrighted materials?
Exactly how much of a material can I use and have it be considered fair use?
What are the guidelines when creating course packs?
Can I use copyrighted materials on Canvas? What about a class website?
Can I use Canvas for reserves? Can students download articles I've put on Canvas?
Can I link to a website on Canvas or class website?
Are images I find on the Internet under copyright? Can I use them in my teaching?
Can I email articles to students?
How can I use more freely accessible materials in my teaching?
References
American University Library. (2010). What faculty need to know about copyright for teaching. Retrieved from http://www.american.edu/library/documents/upload/Copyright_for_Teaching.pdf
Butler, R. P. (2014). Copyright for academic librarians and professionals. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions. This material can be found here.
Legal Information Institute. 17 U.S. Code § 110 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Exemption of certain performances and displays. Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/110
The Sirota Library places course related items on reserve in compliance with US Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107) and the fair use guidelines. Materials placed on reserve are kept there for semester.
Print Reserves:
Electronic Reserves:
Materials are accessible through the Library’s web site and are password protected.
For journal articles or book chapters, the full citation is included in the document.
