Library Copyright Policy
Introduction
The Library reserves the right to refuse service if we believe that a user's conduct violates applicable copyright laws. Photocopying facilities are made available to users of the Lingnan University Library with the clear understanding that copying by or for Library users does not involve any infringement of copyright. Any copying of copyrighted works without the express permission of the copyright holder must be kept within the limits allowed for "fair dealing" for the purpose of research or private study.
Generally speaking, one copy of one article from an issue of a journal can be made. A single copy may also be made of a portion of a book or monograph not exceeding ten percent of the work. Poems, plays, essays, and musical works are considered as completed works, so specific permission is needed to copy them. Unpublished materials, such as manuscripts and theses, may be copied only with the permission of the author or the copyright holder.
Copyright Warning
A copyright warning is displayed at each photocopier. If a user is found to have infringed on copyright, a verbal warning will be given by the Circulation Librarian to first time offenders and a record will be made. Repeated offenders will be referred to the appropriate University authorities for disciplinary actions.
Reserve Materials
At the request of an academic staff, one single photocopy of the following may be placed on reserve:
- A chapter from a book
- An article from a periodical or newspaper
- Multiple copies are allowed only if the staff holds the copyright of the article or book. When making the request, the staff must indicate when the reserve materials will be removed from reserve.
- The Library reserves the right to refuse any request for putting photocopied article(s) on reserve, if, in its judgment, fulfillment of this request would involve infringement of copyright.
Interlibrary Loans
When making an Interlibrary Loan / photocopying request, a requester must declare that the requested material will be used for private research purpose only. Ten percent is the maximum amount of pages / percentage of a journal / book that can be supplied. In addition, only one article in the same issue of the journal can be photocopied and supplied. "Copy supplied for private research only" will be stamped on the photocopies supplied.
Non-Book Materials
No back up copies will be made from complete copyrighted or substantial portions of AV materials. However, the Library will make a backup copy of floppy disks accompanying books. Only one copy of these disks will be circulated. Duplication of computer software by users is strictly prohibited.
A copyright warning will also be posted in an area visible to the users on or near all self-service workstations.
Production of Course Packs
Lingnan University has had a Licence Agreement with the Hong Kong Reprographic Rights Licensing Society Ltd. on making and using copies of the licensed materials for preparation of course packs commencing from 1 January 2005 subject to terms and conditions below:
- All copies of the licensed materials and course packs are only made by the instructors or staff of the Licensee, i.e. Lingnan University.
- With respect to a course pack, it shall not include copies of extracts from more than 30 works.
- With respect to each issue of newspaper, journal or periodical, the Licensee shall not, in any one academic year, copy more than one complete article of any length for inclusion in any single course pack.
- With respect to any other licensed materials, the Licensee shall not, in any one academic year, copy more than 10% or a chapter of that licensed material, whichever covers the smaller portion, for inclusion in any single course pack.
- Licence fee for 2008 will be: number of pages of copies made of the licensed materials x HK$0.50. Cost for each page reproduced will be:
1. Licence fee $0.50 per page, plus 2. Photocopying fee $0.30 per page, plus 3. Binding and handling fee $15 per copy
- The Licence Agreement does not authorize copying from some general categories of published works as well as some specific publishers and works themselves.
Should you require service on production of course packs or detail information on copyright and licensing arrangement, please contact Tommy Yeung, Associate Librarian (Phone:2616-8566 or email: tyeung@ln.edu.hk)
Disclaimer
The above guidelines are meant as examples of copyright policies which the Library is now implementing. As the copyright laws and their interpretations may be changed from time to time, these guidelines do not guarantee safe harbour from copyright infringement.
Further Information
Additional copyright information is available from the Hong Kong SAR Government Intellectual Property Department.
Copyright Ordinance from the Laws of Hong Kong
Additional copyright information is available from the UK Copyright Licensing Agency.
Details of Fair Use and U.S. Copyright law are available from Stanford University.
Guidelines for Photocopying of Printed Works by Not-for-profit Educational Establishments