How does copyright affect my interlibrary loan or 7FAST request?
As part of an academic library, the University of Michigan Interlibrary Loan often has some rights under the U.S. Copyright Act (Sections 107 and 108) to make copies which support the University’s research, education, and other scholarly needs. However, when you place an interlibrary loan or 7FAST request, some restrictions apply to our ability to copy an article or book chapter(s) for you:
- We cannot copy an entire book or more than a “small portion” of a book.
- We cannot copy multiple articles from a single journal volume if the total number of pages scanned is more than a “small portion” of a volume.
- We cannot store electronic copies on our server for more than a short period of time. You have 14 days or 5 views to access your pdf copy.
Typically when a copy of an article or book chapter is made, the copyright holder of that work has the right to set a copyright fee that must be paid to them. When adhering to these limits and providing copies to our University under the allowable uses, the Library is permitted to make copies of a “small portion” without contacting the copyright holder.
What is a “small portion”? – Good question. There is no magic formula that can determine the exact amount that equals a “small portion”. We know this can be frustrating, and if you’d like to learn more, please go to http://www.lib.umich.edu/copyright/section-108
What if my request exceeds the Library’s limit to provide copies?
If your request exceeds the limits of what the Library can copy, we will cancel your request and you will receive a notification by email. Don’t panic! There are some other options available to you:
- Come view a book or journal in person at the library.
- Request that the library deliver the entire book to you instead of scanning it.
- Request that the library purchase a book or journal.
- Speak with a representative from the UM Library Copyright Office to learn about your copyright abilities as an individual; copyright@umich.edu
