Electronic Reserves - Copyright Information for Library Staff

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Copyright Guidelines

The Yale University Library has adopted these guidelines for processing material for Electronic Reserves.

1. Check to see if the Library already purchases a digital copy of the item. Provide a link to that material.
2. If the Library does not purchase a digital version of the material, check for print holdings. If the Library owns a print copy of the item process it for digitization.
3. In processing the item determine if it is in copyright or if it is in the public domain. Material in the public domain includes:
   • Publications of the United States Federal Government.
   • Books published in the United States prior to 1923.
   • Items published between 1923 and 1978 with no copyright statement. (More about publishing dates and copyright.)
   • While not public domain, any material published with a Creative Commons copyright statement may be freely used in Electronic Reserves.
4. If the material is in copyright the Library will digitize and make available WITHOUT submitting for copyright clearance
   • At most one article from a single journal issue
   • At most one chapter from a single book
   • At most one poem from a single anthology or
   • At most one item from a collected work such as an encyclopedia
5. If the material is in copyright the Library will digitize, make available AND submit for copyright clearance (handled by RIS)
   • Two or more articles from a single journal issue
   • Two or more chapters from a single book (but not the entire book)
   • Two or more poems from a single anthology
   • Two or more items from a collected work such as an encyclopedia
6. Note that for cases in #5 above the "Copyright Clearance Needed" box should be checked "Yes" on the RIS form.

Full Description of Policy (PDF)

Warning Concerning Copyright Restrictions

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research. If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction or electronic transmission for purposes in excess of "fair use" that user may be liable for copyright infringement. In addition, further electronic distribution may subject the user to liability.

This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.