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Texts and literary works

You may copy and communicate electronic and print copies of readings to enrolled students. All electronic copies must be provided to students via Course Readings Solution.

The limits for copying literary works are:

  • 10% of the total number of pages or one chapter (whichever is greater)
  • 10% of the total number of words/bars where a work is not paginated

The 10% does not have to be consecutive - it can be made up from different sections of the work.

Electronic resources accessed through a Library database have different copying limits because of the individual subscriptions we have with the vendors. It is best practice to place a link in the Course Readings Solution to these readings.

Sometimes you may be able to copy and communicate more than what is generally allowed. For example, if a work is out of print or copyright has expired. There are certain criteria that must be met however, and you will need to contact Copyright Services to get clearance. 

Alternatively, you may wish to seek direct permission from the copyright owner to copy and communicate more. To do this, use the UniSQ Learning and Teaching Permission pro forma to make a request. The Copyright Services Team can assist you with this process if needed.

Discuss your readings list with your Liaison Librarian as soon as possible so that you can maintain the quality and integrity of your course content whilst also meeting your copyright obligations. 

When designing your readings list, it is important to consider

  • Is there an e-version of the book or journal that can be purchased for linking to?
  • Is there an Open Access or Creative Commons licenced item that would be a suitable alternative?
  • Whether the content is essential – is it needed on top of the course text? Are you setting your student a realistic workload?
  • Prioritise your content – can you use the most essential sections (10% or 1 chapter) from the work and source supporting readings elsewhere (for example, previous editions or alternative authors).

Contact us

Copyright Services
copyright@unisq.edu.au