Libraries
Section 108 of the U.S. Copyright Act allows
library staff members to make one (1) copy of a
lawfully acquired print or multimedia work as
long as its use will not result in any
commercial gain, the library is open to the
public, and copyright information appears on the
copied work.
Archival
Copying
In the event that copies are needed to replace damaged,
deteriorating, lost or stolen items, the law allows
non-commercial libraries that are open to the
public to
copy a work of print, multimedia or computer software. The library must first,
however, determine that, after "reasonable
investigation," another unused copy cannot be
obtained at a fair price or that the format is
obsolete (ex. 8-track cassettes, Betamax,
document stored on an obsolete computer).
Copying
Reserve Shelf Materials
One
library service is to provide a "Reserve Shelf"
where instructors may place printed materials
for their students to access. Students may then
borrow the materials "in-house" and make a
single copy for their own use. Notice of
copyright restrictions must be prominently
posted at the public photocopier to inform
students of their responsibilities when copying
protected materials.
Library staff
members may also make one (1) copy of a
protected work for Reserve Shelf use, but only if
this is requested by the instructor.
Furthermore, this copy must be returned to the
instructor at the end of the semester.
Interlibrary Loan
Another
library service - Interlibrary Loan - is allowed
as long as it is not used as a substitute for an
actual purchase or subscription.
Sources
Some of the information used on this page came
from these sources:
Disclaimer
Please note that the information presented
in the Online Copyright Center is for
information purposes only. It should not
be used as a substitute for actual legal
advice.