Copyright Guide: TCC Copyright Policy

See also: "Libraries" on the COPYRIGHT TOPICS/GLOSSARY tab above.

The Office of the Dean of Libraries and Knowledge Management is the clearinghouse for copyright information and provides general information on all aspects of copyright for the Tulsa Community College community. Paula Settoon, the Dean of Libraries and Knowledge Management, is the college's DMCA Designated Agent. Please see our terms of service for reporting copyright violations. This office is also responsible for maintaining guidelines for the use of copyrighted material in the areas of audiovisual works, computer software, databases and CD-ROMs, distance learning transmissions, document reproduction, instructional computer presentations, and/or music and performances.

If you are unsure if something needs to be cleared by the Dean of Libraries and Knowledge Management, Paula Settoon, you can contact the Access Services Librarian, Amanda Ross, who handles Copyright Clearance Center pay-per-uses and filters requests and questions related to copyright. She provides education and individual consultations, preferably via email. She is not a lawyer and does not provide legal advice or representation. She can be contacted at amanda.ross87@tulsacc.edu or 918-595-7568.

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 specific 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 for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. 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.

See these links for more information:

§201.14 Warnings of copyright for use by certain libraries and archives

17 U.S. Code § 108 - Limitations on exclusive rights: Reproduction by libraries and archives

Library Photocopying

Faculty or departments may place reserve textbooks or other materials in the library for student use. Please contact the campus location where you would like the physical reserves to be housed. More information about the reserves process can also be found on our Library Information for Faculty research guide, under the Services tab. 

E-reserves, or electronic reserves, is content that comes from copyrighted material usually, and is meant to be other required or supplemental reading beyond a textbook. It is typically a copy from a portion of a work or a copy of the entire work (if fair use, permission, or licensing applies) that is uploaded to an online course or through an online system where only specific enrolled students have access to that material. It does not necessarily include linking to content found freely accessible online, such as news articles, though many still call that content "e-reserves" for continuity for students. If you need help navigating whether or not you need a license or permission for scanned material (ie "copies") to be posted, please contact the Access Services Office.

The following are a few guidelines for the library's involvement with electronic course reserves: 

• We can help faculty find and evaluate electronic resources, such Open Educational Resources and articles from our databases. While we welcome resource suggestions, we cannot commit to purchasing textbooks or other required reading due to budgetary restrictions. 
• We offer copyright guidance and education to help faculty make a fair use assessment. The Access Services Office can also help in obtaining copyright clearance if necessary for reserves material. We are happy to assist with the process, however any ultimate fair use assessment and use decision will remain with the faculty/poster. Library employees cannot commit to creating scans for faculty. 
• While we do help students find resources, we will refer all student issues about course reserves, textbooks, and other course materials to faculty.

Any questions or concerns about electronic reserves, Open Educational Resources, copyright, or alternative resources can be referred to your Subject Liaison Librarian, or one of your campus librarians.