Since January of 1978, Public Law 94-553 has, under its various interpretations, governed the use of photocopies of protected materials. The law, and the guidelines set in response to it, are subtle and easily subject to misinterpretation. Concerned patrons should read carefully Circular 21, Reproduction of Copyright Works by Educators and Librarians (LC3.4/2:21) issued by the Library of Congress, as well as, The Official Fair Use Guidelines. Please consult the Reference Desk for availability. The Mary Couts Burnett Library also has an extensive collection on copyright which is available for check-out. This sheet can only draw attention to some basic points, and then only at the risk of oversimplification. Bearing this in mind…

1. Make a single copy of a chapter, article, short story, short essay, short poem, chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon, or picture for your private study and research without seeking permission.

1. Place single copies of the above on reserve (print or web-based reserves) for a class. Consecutive use of the same material across semester (e.g., placing the same article on e-reserve in both fall and spring) requires permission from the publisher. (See the e-reserves guidelines for how the Library handles permissions requests.)
   
   
2. Make multiple copies of the above for reserve or distribution to a class provided:
1. The text is brief (not exceeding 2500 words in prose or 250 words in poetry).
2. The need for multiple copies is spontaneous and you do not have time to write for permission from the copyright holder-and these spontaneous instances do not exceed nine per semester.
3. The number of copies does not exceed the number of students in your class.
4. Each copy includes a note of copyright.

Public Law 94-553 grants certain photocopying privileges to libraries to facilitate interlibrary loan. However, a library may request no more than five photocopies per calendar year for articles published in the last five years in any one periodical title. The sixth request must be with the permission of the copyright owner, who may also require a payment of a royalty. The Library has written policies on copyright as it relates to reserve services and media use, which are available on request.

For more information contact the Reserve Desk at 817-257-6113 or the Reference Desk at 817-257-7117.

A/V Center Copyright Guidelines

TCU Intellectual Property Policy and Procedures

American Library Association Copyright Pages

University of Texas Crash Course in Copyright

Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers