Copyright FAQs
Do the University's licenses permit us to copy what we like?
Isn't it the responsibility of the University to look after copyright?
I would like to produce course packs for my students is this permitted?
Does the current CLA photocopying licence cover copying for distance learners?
Can I scan material into my PC and make the copy available to others?
Is the material that is available on the Internet copyright protected?
Can I put photocopies of articles that I've finished with into the library's photocopy collection?
Why do I have to sign a photocopy declaration form when I make an Inter-Library Loan request?
I've found some really useful information on a website - can I create a link to it from my website?
Can I digitise articles and make them available on my website?
Are emails copyright protected?
Can I put photographs on my website?
I received my request by fax, can I photocopy it onto better paper?
Who owns the copyright for materials produced for work purposes?
A. No. The various licences permit us to copy certain types and amounts of materials and make them available. Details of these licences can be found on these webpages.
Q. Isn't it the responsibility of the University to look after copyright?A. No. Although the University has a responsibility to ensure that staff and students are aware of copyright and comply with the law, it remains the responsibility of the person making the copy to ensure they do not infringe copyright. Guidelines and notices are available in all Learning Resource Centres (next to photocopiers) explaining the current regulations. Remember - responsibility for any infringement of copyright rests with the person making the copy.
Q. I would like to produce course packs for my students is this permitted?A. Yes - provided copying stays within the permitted limits.
Q. Does the current CLA photocopying licence cover copying for distance learners?A. Yes - this licence covers copying for distance learners.
Q. Can I scan material into my PC and make the copy available to others?A. Not unless you have permission from the rightholders. It would probably be okay for you to scan a copy for your own personal study and research, but you should never make electronic copies such as these available to anybody else (without permission) - you will almost certainly be in breach of copyright.
Q. Is the material that is available on the Internet copyright protected?A. More than likely. If there is no explicit copyright notice attached to the material it is generally accepted that there is an implicit licence to copy. However discretion should be used and you should treat digital material the same as you would printed material as the same copyright rules/agreed fair dealing amounts apply.
Q. Can I put photocopies of articles that I've finished with into the library's photocopy collection?A. Not if they had been obtained for use by you for research and private study purposes. Materials that can be accepted include:
- photocopies taken from originals owned by Liverpool John Moores University (i.e. the Licensed Institution)
- items that are copyright waived
- items with written permission of the rightsholder(s) - attached to the photocopy
- copies obtained from the BLDSC to go into our stock
- out of copyright/public domain
A. The librarian can only supply you with a copy of an article if you have signed a declaration form which states:
- a copy has not previously been supplied
- the copy is for research or private study and that a copy will not be supplied to any other person
- that to the best of my knowledge no other person with whom I work or study has made or intends to make, at or about the same time, a request for substantially the same material for substantially the same purpose
- that if this declaration is false the copy becomes an infringing copy and the reader is responsible as if he'd made the copy himself.
This is a statutory requirement.
Q. I've found some really useful information on a website - can I create a link to it from my website?A. It is always good practice to seek the permission from the website owner before you link to it. However that is not always practicable. If you cannot seek permission beforehand never create a link direct into the text of the website - link to the home page because this is where any copyright information regarding the website will be.
Q. Can I digitise articles and make them available on my website?A. No. Copyright clearance would be required for this.
Q. Are emails copyright protected?A. Copyright for emails (like letters) belongs to the author - unless they are work related in which case the copyright rests with the employer.
Q. Can I put photographs on my website?A. You will need permission from whoever took the photograph. Once you have their permission there should be no problems from a copyright point of view.
Q. I received my request by fax, can I photocopy it onto better paper?A. No. This would be an infringement of copyright.
Q. Who owns the copyright for materials produced for work purposes?A. Normally your employer would be the copyright owner. If in doubt seek advice from your employer and check the terms of your contract of employment.
For any further copyright information or advice on copyright clearance please contact Denise Minde - 0151 231 4370 (internal ext. 4370).
