Photocopying: what is allowed?
On this page...
- What can I copy?
- Multiple copies or systematic single copying
- Newspapers
- Photocopiers in the University
What can I copy?
Under the concept of fair dealing set out in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (PDF) the following limits apply to copying for non-commercial research and private study:
- a chapter of a book or 5 per cent of a book, whichever is greater
- an article or 5% from a single issue of a journal, whichever is greater
- a paper or 5% from one set of conference proceedings, whichever is greater
- one short story or one poem of not more than 10 pages or 5% from an anthology of short stories or poems, whichever is the greater
You may also copy images (eg illustrations, photographs, and other works produced by visual creators) and pages consisting of text and images under the terms of the licence.
On 31 October 2003 the European Union directive on harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society was implemented by UK regulations. From that date, copying for commercial research, or for private study which is directly or indirectly commercial, is not permitted. Copying for commercial purposes is only allowed if the copyright owner's consent is obtained, or a copyright fee is paid, or it is made under licence.
Multiple copies or systematic single copying
Multiple copies are not permitted unless authorised by the University's CLA Photocopying and Scanning HE Licence.
This licence allows multiple copying and systematic single copying by staff and students. It covers publications by most important publishers, but not all. Many categories of work are excluded by the licence, including maps, music, and newspapers.
- Find out more about the CLA Photocopying and Scanning HE Licence (PDF)
- See the CLA Notice displayed by the photocopiers (PDF)
Newspapers
Newspapers are covered somewhat by a licence from the Newspaper Licensing Agency which allows up to 250 copies of any one article, but only for internal management purposes and for student instruction.
Photocopiers in the University
Every photocopying machine in the University should display details of the CLA licence and permitted copying limits. Each user has, personally, to comply with the law.
Should library staff suspect that the law may be being broken (for instance, they notice a student working through a whole book, or copying an unreasonable amount from one volume or journal issue) they can intervene and enquire about the extent of copying. All photocopies made in excess of the limits can be confiscated.
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