Faculty Toolbox for the CBC Library

Can the library scan materials for us to put online?

Yes, and no. While the library does have high quality book scanners which we use to digitize portions of textbooks for Course Reserves, it would still be a violation of copyright law for us to scan more than 10% of any one resource.

The textbook for my class hasn't arrived in the Bookstore yet! Help!

While this isn't a question, we're still here to help! Under the Fair Use doctrine, we can reasonably scan, digitize, and post up to 10% of any one print book to our eReserves. 

We don't typically have extra copies of textbooks, so we'll likely ask if we can borrow yours to make the scans!

Can I stream a Netflix film in my class?

Likely not. It's true of most individual user subscriptions that the Terms of Use or Service Agreement you agreed to prohibits this kind of use. Netflix does offer some limited allowance for educational use which you can read about here.

The Library has resources available to support streaming film in online classes, such as Kanopy, Swank, Docuseek, and Academic Video Online. Contact your liaison librarian for more details!

What can I do to guarantee it's Fair Use?

While there are no guaranteed steps to ensure something would be considered Fair Use in the event of litigation, there are ways you can mitigate your risk and build a better case for educational use.

• Be selective. Only post the absolute minimum that you need in order to teach the lesson. If you only need a paragraph from an article, pull out that article and cite it!
• Be time-bound. Don't post any materials for any longer than students need it. Check every quarter that you're not accidentally leaving up old materials which are no longer needed. For example, the Library pulls down all its electronic course reserves once a year and only puts them back up when there is a demonstrated need for them.
• Use a Four Factors checklist, like this one created by CSU-Pueblo University Library.
• Use library-licensed or OER materials. These resources have been selected or created specifically with classroom use in mind, so typically have more relevant copyright restrictions.
• Link, don't post. Whenever possible, just link out to that website, library ebook, author blog, etc. That way, you aren't posting anything!

Can I copy articles to create a Course Pack for my students?

Likely not. Generally speaking, you need to ask copyright permission before reproducing copyrighted materials for use in a course pack. However, information in the Public Domain would be an exception.

Can I use copyrighted photos or music in my classroom presentation?

Yes, this would generally be considered a fair use of the materials if it is for instructional purposes. Just make sure you cite the original creator!

What about instructor materials from an instructor copy of the textbook? Can I share or post those?

It depends on the publisher; many instructor’s texts and instructional materials come with a warning/contain a warning not to share with students or make publicly available. You will want to pay attention to any warnings you get with your instructor copies, but you may also want to see if there are any publisher policies available. Seneca Libraries has compiled a helpful list here.