These rules have been made based on best practices of Section 107 (Fair Use) of the Copyright law recommended by American Library Association (ALA) and Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). It means if you follow these rules, you do not need to ask for permission from the copyright holder of the item you want to use. In case you need to use more than the amount described under these rules, you always have the option to ask for permission from the copyright holder, usually the publisher or the author/creator of the work.
The following rules apply to library owned materials not in electronic format.
The source of the following: US Copyright Office Circular 21, revised 2014. (page 6-7)
Scanned portion of a printed book*: A chapter of a book (for teachers only). 1,000 words or %10 of the book whichever is less (for distribution to students.)**, a short story or a short essay (less than 2500 words) a short poem (less than 250 words), a chart, a graph, a diagram, a picture. Instructor must seek permission for use after one semester. Make sure the scanned material is "Read Only" (not printable, cannot be copied or downloaded).
*One work from a single author.
*If the book chapter is illustrated, each illustration, picture, image, chart, graph, etc. is copyrighted individually. You're limited to use one picture, illustration, etc.
*You should not exceed 9 instances of such postings during a semester.
**Excluding textbooks and course packs specifically created for distance learning.
*One work from a single author.
*If the journal article is illustrated, each illustration, picture, image, chart, graph, etc. is copyrighted individually. You're limited to use one picture, illustration, etc.
*You are also limited to use one article from a journal. Permission is required if more than one article from the same journal is needed.
*You should not exceed 9 instances of such postings during a semester.
*Using the same materials is limited to one semester only. In order to use the same materials in more than one semester you need to ask for permission from the copyright holder.
Scanned pictures, images, illustrations, charts, graphs, etc.*
*One work from a single photographer, illustrator, etc. Permission is required if more than one picture, illustration, etc. from the same photographer, illustrator, etc. is needed.
*You are also limited to use one picture or illustration from a journal. Permission is required if more than one picture, illustration, etc. from the same journal is needed.
*You should not exceed 9 instances of such postings during a semester.
*Using the same materials is limited to one semester only. In order to use the same materials in more than one semester you need to ask for permission from the copyright holder.
*Personal items in print format: Use only legally acquired materials (not copies). Follow the above rules for amounts and time limit to use. Permission from copyright holders is required if the need is more than what has been stated in the rules.
*You should not exceed 9 instances of such postings during a semester.
Texts, pictures, illustrations, images, charts, graphs, etc. originally in electronic format:
Library subscribed databases (e-books, e-journals, etc.): Embed or create a persistent link (permalink) to an e-book, e-journal article, pictures (such as Artstor), media materials in databases, etc. Do not download the content in Canvas (this is an act of copying).
Internet: Embed or create a persistence link (permalink) to the website homepage. Do not download the content in Canvas (this is an act of copying). If linking to a part of a website is desired, be sure to give full credit to the author/ creator of the website. Make sure the website is legal and contains legitimate content. Make sure to follow the website’s terms of use. Avoid materials on websites clearly intended for personal use only. Follow this link for information about Open Educational Resources (OER) you can use in place of copyrighted materials.
Personal items in electronic format: Use only legally acquired materials (not copies). Follow the above rules for amounts and time limit to use. Permission from copyright holders is required if the need is more than what has been stated in the rules.
Do the rules above apply to textbooks?
Generally, do not make copies of textbooks for your students. You can place a legally purchased copy of a textbook (Review copies, Desk copies given for free to the faculty need permission from the publishers) on library reserve for your students to access for one semester. For keeping the same textbook on reserve for successive semesters, you need to get permission from the copyright holder. Please see UIW Libraries Course Reserves Policy.
Do the rules above apply to published sample tests?
No. Please remember each question in these tests are copyrighted individually. So there is no minimum amount of use that falls under fair use. You need to get permission from the publisher to use these tests in class.