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Library Course Reserves: Reserve FAQs

Course Reserves FAQs

What may be placed on Reserve?

In-House Library Reserve
  • Published books (a faculty member's personal copy or books owned by the library may be used)
  • A photocopy of a single chapter or a small portion of a book
  • Videos or DVDs
  • Articles from journals, magazines, or serials (up to 3 articles from the same journal, magazine or serial per academic quarter)
  • Materials created by a faculty member
  • Current News articles from newspapers or news periodicals
Electronic Reserve
  • A single chapter from a published book
  • Articles from journals, magazines or serials that are not news periodicals (up to 3 articles from the same journal, magazine or serial per academic quarter)
  • Materials created by faculty member
  • Current News articles from newspapers or news periodicals

During each term, items can be placed on either Electronic Reserve OR Print Reserve- not both.

Are there items that may not be placed on Reserve?

  • Since reserves are meant to supplement course material, textbooks and/or course-packs that take the place of a main text may not be placed on reserve.
  • Articles available through the library's databases should not be placed on electronic reserve. Instead, please link to articles available through library databases in Canvas.
  • Copies of entire books or periodicals cannot be placed on reserve.
  • Articles obtained via Interlibrary Loan cannot be placed on reserve.
  • Copyright-protected materials may not be placed on reserve during consecutive quarters unless permission has been obtained in writing from the copyright holder or unless the appropriate licensing has been purchased. Materials not protected by copyright may be repeatedly placed on reserve.

How many items can I have on Reserve?

  • Copyright-protected materials – A total of 9 items, in any combination (4 books, 3 articles, 2 videos = 9 items)
  • Non-copyrighted materials – Unlimited

 

Can I use course reserves to replace a textbook for my course?
No, course reserves are supplemental and must not take the place of a purchased textbook or course-pack.

Do I need to fill out a reserve request form each quarter?
Yes, we need to maintain records for reserves for each quarter. Please fill out the Library Reserve Request Form each quarter.

Can I make my own reserve area on my personal website or on Canvas?
Whether or not other materials can be placed on a personal website or on Canvas depends on the copyright status of the materials – feel free to contact the Library for guidance. Generally:

  • Copyright-protected materials may not be placed on a personal website or on Canvas.
  • Materials created by the faculty member (course notes, practice sets, etc.) may be placed on a personal website or on Canvas.

Why is the library allowed to place copyrighted materials on electronic reserve?
As a not-for-profit educational institution the library enjoys an explicit right under Section 108 of Title 17, US Copyright Law, to make in-copyright items available through electronic reserves.