Instructor's Guide to Reserves, Ereserves and Course Paks
- Frequently Asked Questions
I would like my students to read a wide range of material that is not in one textbook. What are the options?
If the material does not require copying (e.g. the library puts a book on reserve) the
material can be placed on reserve for any number of quarters. Copying for library reserves
is governed by the fair use section of the copyright law. More information Typically journal articles and book chapters are placed on
reserves or electronic reserves for one quarter. The Libraries will not accept copies of entire books
or place more than 30 articles on reserve per class. You can also request that material be
put in a Course Pak and copyright permissions paid.
What are my options if I want to use material for more than one quarter? Course Paks are currently the best option for ongoing use of copyrighted materials.
The UW's Copyright Permission Center can handle the work of getting permissions from
publishers and creating the Course Paks.
What about my syllabus, class notes, tests and papers?
As long as you own the copyright you can place material on library reserves or
electronic reserves. Students own the copyright for papers they write for your class so you should get permission before placing material on the web.
What are economics of electronic reserves and Course Paks?
The Libraries will put materials on reserve or electronic reserves for free if the instructor provides clean copy for scanning.
Students pay for Course Paks. Electronic reserves may seem cheaper but if you consider the cost of downloading and printing all of the readings the cost difference between reserves and Course Paks is much less.
Over time, as the Libraries buys more online full text resources. the cost of Course Paks should decrease.
Can I put readings on my course web?
Yes, but the same copyright limits apply if you don't get permission. If you already
have material in a digital format (for example, Microsoft Word) you can fairly easily
put it on the web. To scan a document and put it on the web so that it is legible and
small takes some effort. It is helpful to have material all in one place or linked from one place so if you have material on a course web and on reserve make sure that the Libraries has your course web url and that your course web has the link to library reserve readings.
What about using UW-licensed full text databases to provide course content?
Links can be made to these databases (e.g., Research Library) from your course web or
Libraries reserve list. Some of the urls in the databases are not fixed. The Health Science Library has developed some information about
linking to online journals and
linking to online book chapters
What are my options for music, images or film?
For Seattle Campus: contact the Odegaard Undergraduate Media Center at 3-6051.
For Bothell Campus: contact UW Bothell Media Services at 2-5312.
For Tacoma Campus: contact UW Tacoma Media Services at 2-4419.
