HACC Library - Copyright Information

The HACC Library System complies with Public Law 94-553 (effective January 1, 1978) (President 8/15/85) and all amendments to it as listed in Title 17 of the United States Code. Copyright Law of the United States

Reproduction or use of copyrighted material requires the requesting faculty member to provide all bibliographic information to the library staff for both physical reserves and electronic reserves so that permission can be sought from the copyright holder. 

Extenuating circumstances warranting a temporary copyright-waiver permit will receive individual consideration, as outlined by the American Library Association Fair Use Guidelines.

If the faculty member has secured written permission from the copyright holder to use materials, this permission statement must accompany the materials to be placed on course reserve.  Alternatively, the faculty member must present a personally signed statement indicating that oral permission was granted, and that written permission will be forthcoming.  A notice of copyright will be attached to each photocopied item.

Photocopied or scanned items to replace an anthology-like series, compilation, or collective work may only be placed on reserve with copyright permission for each item from the copyright holder(s).

Periodical articles must adhere to the guidelines of copyright fair use.  Permission to use an article must be obtained from the copyright holder.

For electronic reserves, the circulation staff will assist in making articles from journals and chapters in books available for students if faculty present written permission for electronic use, from the publisher or if the library is able to obtain permission.  Electronic copies will be maintained for one semester unless permission allows for longer access.

Each course with electronic reserves must be password-protected.

The guidelines do not allow users to:        

• make multiple copies or place on electronic reserve different works as a substitute for the purchase of books or periodicals
• use the same works for more than one semester, class, or course
• use copyrighted work for commercial purposes
• use copyrighted work without attributing the author
• put "consumable" materials, e.g.: workbooks, exercises, standardized tests, test booklets, answer sheets, etc.on reserve

You should assume that most of the materials on the Internet are copyrighted, not public domain, including electronic mail messages. Once an expression is committed to a tangible medium, including a computer file, it is protected. No notice is required. So unless a work is in the public domain or the copyright owner allows further reproduction, unauthorized copying in excess of fair use or other lawful exceptions is prohibited.

When working on the Internet keep in mind:

• Include a copyright notice on materials you author and post; unless your work is subject to contractual restrictions or conditions;
• Look for a copyright notice on other materials to help determine what use is permissible;
• Unless permission to use the materials is explicitly stated or falls within fair use, do not copy, download, scan, digitize, or forward materials without the explicit consent of the copyright owner. Do not re-post such material on your own web site without permission. Instead, use a link to the source material.

The following principles summarize key points and best practices followed by many academic institutions regarding their electronic reserves.

Online Does Not Mean It Is Free – The widespread use of the Internet has fostered misconceptions concerning the lawful use of copyrighted information in electronic form. The same copyright rules apply - simply because content is online does not mean it is free from copyright protection.

Electronic Reserves Are Not a Substitute for the Purchase of Textbooks (or Coursepacks) – It violates the intent, spirit, and letter of the law to use electronic reserves as a substitute for the purchase of books or subscriptions when substantial portions of the material are required for educational purposes.