The University System of Georgia supports instruction with electronic reserves and similar electronic services. The primary function of these services is to assure that students and teachers will have timely access to course-related library resources. Course materials authored by professors, such as syllabi, lecture notes, or exams, may be made available on electronic reserves. The following standards apply to use of copyrighted works for electronic reserves:
- Instructors are responsible for evaluating, on a case-by-case basis, whether the use of a copyrighted work on electronic reserves requires permission or qualifies as a fair use. If relying upon the fair use exception, instructors must complete a copy of the fair use checklist before submitting material for electronic reserves.
- Inclusion of materials on electronic reserves will be at the request of the instructor for his or her educational needs.
- Materials made available on electronic reserves should include a citation to the original source of publication and a form of copyright notice.
- The instructor, library or other unit of the institution must possess a lawfully obtained copy of any material submitted for electronic reserves.
- Access to course material on electronic reserves should be restricted by password to students and instructors enrolled in and responsible for the course. Access should be terminated as soon as the student has completed the course.
- Library reserves staff should check to see whether materials submitted for electronic reserves are available through an electronic database or are otherwise legally available. If so, staff should provide a link rather than scanning and posting the material.
- Library reserves staff should delete materials available on electronic reserves at the conclusion of each semester.
- Institutions at the University System of Georgia will impose no charge to students for access to materials on electronic reserves.
