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Reserve materials copyright policy

The Central Washington University Library accepts photocopies of materials for Reserve according to the Fair Use Guidelines established by the Copyright Act of 1976. The Guidelines require that photocopies for educational use be of a limited nature, as determined by the tests of brevity, spontaneity, and cumulative effect. Otherwise, permission must be requested from the copyright owner.

In 1987 the State of Washington issued revised educational guidelines, in a document titled Update to the Copyright Act of 1976: Guidelines for Educators. Following the interpretations of the law described in the update, Reserve materials should be treated in the following manner.

  • Permissible use according to Fair Use Guidelines: Photocopies of the following kept on Reserve for one quarter:
    1. one chapter of a book
    2. one article from a periodical or newspaper
    3. one short story, short essay, or short poem whether or not from a collective work
    4. one chart, graph, diagram, cartoon, or picture from a book, periodical, or newspaper
  • Generally does not constitute Fair Use, i.e. Permission needed:
    1. Material described above kept on Reserve more than one quarter
    2. More than one chapter or article from a book or one selection from a collection of essays or poems
    3. "Consumable" works, such as standardized tests, exercises, or workbooks
    4. Anthologies created by photocopying copyrighted materials

A further explanation of Fair Use Guidelines is available. It is the responsibility of the individual faculty member to follow these Guidelines. Reserve employees cannot positively determine if the Fair Use Guidelines apply in each case. To place photocopied material on Reserve you must sign a Compliance Form every quarter.

An instruction sheet and sample letter for obtaining permission from a copyright owner are available at the Reserve desk on the first floor of the CWU Library. The Update to the Copyright Act of 1976: Guidelines for Educators and other copyright information also is available.