Introduction About 15 years ago, when I accepted a professional staff position that included managing reserve services, I was charged by my supervisor to learn about copyright to ensure our reserve practices fell within the scope of the law. As I began researching the law, especially topics like fair use, I was surprised by the sheer volume of information to be found. Unfortunately, it took me a while to realize that much of the information being disseminated about copyright, especially copyright and course reserves, was propagating myths and misconceptions about the law and limiting the ways academic libraries provided reserve services. When the opportunity to write this book pre- sented itself, I was excited by the idea of sharing the knowledge I have gained regarding the legal issues associated with course reserves with others, and it is my sincere hope that I can help colleagues avoid some of the frustrations I encountered as I struggled to sort copyright facts from fiction. The legal information you find here is based on the law, relevant court cases, and information shared by fellow copyright librarians who, like me, seek to help others understand the ways the law empowers libraries in providing services and resources to patrons. I truly hope it will be helpful to you. However, the information I provide about the law should not be seen as a substitute for legal advice obtained from a licensed attorney. I strongly encourage you to develop a relationship with your institution’s legal counsel and collaborate with them to ensure your library’s reserve practices comply with the law. In regards to the administrative side of course reserves, it is my hope that this book will serve as a useful guide for academic libraries looking to launch or to expand the reserve services they offer to their campus communities. As each academic institution, academic library, and branch library within a col- lege or university library system is a bit different, I have tried to include rec- ommendations and best practices for the development and management of reserve services that are functional, flexible, and adaptable based on the resources a library may have available. This is a bit different from the
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