Home ›› copyright guidelines ›› Library and Disability Copying ›› 3.1 Library Copying

3.1 Library Copying

| Back to Table of Contents |

Copying for students research or study

Libraries may, on request from students, copy a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work.  The request must be in writing and must contain a declaration from the student that it is only for research or study and not for any other purpose.

The library exceptions cover:

The library exceptions do not extend to audio-visual material or sound recordings such as:

  • CD-Roms (which contain sound files, video clips or animation)
  • CDs
  • DVDs, videos or film, or computer games

A school library may supply a copy of material for either a user of another library or to be included in another library’s collection if it receives a written request.

Back to top

Library Copying Limits

Copying limits and restrictions vary for hard copy and electronic material.

  1. Hard copy materials

    In relation to hard copy materials, the following limits apply:

    • In the case of a periodical publication, one article, or two or more articles from the same issue if the articles are for the same research or course of study
    • In the case of a work other than an article in a periodical publication, 10% or one chapter, whichever is the greater
    • If more than a reasonable amount is required, the teacher-librarian or teacher-in-charge of the requesting library must first be satisfied that the work to be copied is not available for purchase, new, as a separate publication, at an ordinary commercial price within a reasonable time
    • The date on which the copy is made and the name of the requesting library must be marked on the copy
    • If a copying charge is made, it must not exceed the cost of making and supplying the copy
  2. Materials in electronic form

    In relation to materials in electronic form, the following limits apply:

    • In the case of a periodical publication, one article, or two or more articles from the same issue if the are for the same research or course of study
    • In the case of a work in electronic form, 10% of the words in the work
    • If more than a reasonable portion of a work (other than a periodical publication) in electronic form is required, the teacher-librarian or teacher-in-charge of the requesting library must be satisfied that the work is not available for purchase, new, as a separate publication, at an ordinary commercial price or within a reasonable time
    • An electronic notice must be given with any electronic copy or communication
    • If a copying charge is made, it must not exceed the cost of making and supplying the copy

Scanning, downloading and communicating

School libraries are permitted to scan or download the permitted amount and either fax or email to the requesting person.

Where an electronic reproduction of a work is communicated, it must be:

  • accompanied by a specific notice
  • if the copy has been made by scanning from a hard copy in the library's collection, the electronic copy that is made must be destroyed as soon as practicable after it has been sent to the person requesting it.

Back to top

Request Forms

Where a school library requests a copy of material from another school library, it must complete an interlibrary request form in the required form.
You can obtain a sample request and copying form from http://education.qld.gov.au/information/service/libraries/docs/4p01.doc

Record Keeping for Interlibrary copying

All records of copying should be kept for four years. Three separate files are recommended, namely:

  • requests made
  • requests pending
  • copies supplied

All the forms that relate to interlibrary loans must be filed chronologically by the date of declaration.

Back to top

| Back to Table of Contents |