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Copyright in the Library: Home

Can the library scan articles or chapters and put them on course reserve for my class?

What other items can the library place on course reserve for me?

Can I link to electronic journal articles on Moodle?

Are there any restrictions on posting an instructor’s notes on Moodle or placing them on course reserve?

Where can I find more information about course reserves and how to use them?

Can I get the library to send me electronic copies of articles using the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service?

What are licences for electronic resources?

 

 

Can the library scan articles or chapters and put them on course reserve for my class?

Yes. In many cases, works may be scanned and posted under fair dealing or licence terms without the need to obtain permission. Contact Access Services at circ@mta.ca or 364-3569 for assistance.

 

What other items can the library place on course reserve for me?

Items in the library's physical collections, such as books, DVDs, and maps

Photocopied articles

An instructor’s lecture notes or other materials for which the instructor holds copyright

Personal copies of books or other personal items including electronic equipment, artifacts, etc.

Course packs, as long as the material within has copyright clearance


Can I link to electronic journal articles on Moodle?

Yes. For instructions on how to create a stable link to an article from one of the library’s databases, see Linking to Licenced Library Material. Keep in mind that occasionally a licence prohibits linking. Please contact Laura Landon for assistance or more information: llandon@mta.ca or 364-3569.


Are there any restrictions on posting an instructor’s notes on Moodle or placing them on course reserve?

Instructors may post their own notes or give them to the library to place on physical course reserve. In addition they may post notes that include copyright-protected material as long as they have the right under fair dealing or another exception to include the material.


Where can I find more information about course reserves and how to use them?

Visit the library’s online Services for Faculty pages or contact Access Services at circ@mta.ca or 364-3569.


Can I get the library to send me electronic copies of articles using the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service?

Yes. In most cases, access to ILL copies is provided through an e-mail link sent to the patron’s e-mail address. The patron can then download a PDF. For more information, see the Library's Interlibrary Loan pages.


What are licences for electronic resources?

Mount Allison’s Libraries & Archives has contracts with a variety of vendors and publishers that provide the campus with thousands of electronic resources (databases, e-journals, e-books, streaming video, etc.) costing tens of thousands of dollars per year.

In addition to paying for these resources, the library negotiates licence agreements that stipulate how and by whom a given resource may be used. Users must be faculty, students, or staff. Only these individuals will be registered with the proxy server for off-campus access. Access for the general public is made available through terminals within the library.

If licence terms are violated by anyone, licensors may temporarily suspend access for the entire University community. In cases where a resolution cannot be reached, the vendor may have the right to permanently revoke a licence and access to the resource.

You can help prevent such problems by adhering to good practices and avoiding improper use. Here are some rules of thumb.

Usually OK:

  • making a limited number of print or electronic copies for your personal use
  • using materials for personal, instructional, or research needs
  • sharing with Mount Allison faculty, staff, and students
  • posting links to specific content

 

Not OK:

  • systematic or substantial printing, copying, or downloading (such as entire journal issues)
  • selling or re-distributing content, or providing access to someone outside of the University community, such as a friend or employer
  • sharing with people other than registered Mount Allison faculty, staff, and students
  • posting actual content or articles to third party websites or electronic discussion lists
  • modifying or altering the contents of licensed resources in any way

 

Always acknowledge your source on any published or unpublished document when you use data found on electronic resources.

 

Grey areas: Some licence agreements make express allowances for electronic re-posting on platforms such as Moodle, course packs, multiple copies for classroom use, and interlibrary lending. Other licences may prohibit one or more of these activities. If you have questions about a particular resource, please ask a librarian!